At the veterinary clinic, Fortune barely reacted to the examination. Hands moved over his ribs, his legs, his neck, and he stayed still, eyes half-lidded, breathing shallow. Sam watched closely, heart tight, realizing how unnatural it was for a young dog to show so little resistance or curiosity.
The vet studied the bloodwork longer than usual. Her brow furrowed, and she leaned closer to the screen, scrolling back and forth. Sam recognized the silence immediately. It wasn’t confusion. It was concern settling in, careful and measured.