“She lost her cub a month ago,” the zookeeper continued, her voice softening. “It was her first. Since then, she hasn’t eaten properly. Won’t play. Won’t interact.” A ripple of sadness passed through the crowd. Jamie’s dad whispered, “She looks lonely.” Jamie nodded, squeezing Nibbles close to his chest.
The crowd began to drift, but Jamie lingered. Meera raised her head slightly. Their eyes met. Just for a second. Then she looked at Nibbles. Not with hunger. Not with interest. Just… stillness. A strange kind of awareness. Jamie shivered. “Let’s go, boy.” Nibbles barked once, then followed.