Saturday came again, brighter than before. Shira stretched across her enclosure, golden light tracing her stripes. Lily ran up to the railing, notebook ready.
“She’s better!” she called. Caleb nodded. “Looks like the queen’s back.” Ethan joined them, relaxed for the first time in days. “Oldest tiger we’ve got—and still ruling.”
At his voice, Shira lifted her head and gave a soft chuff. Lily laughed. “She remembers us.” Caleb watched the sunlight ripple across her fur. “Some things,” he said, “you don’t forget.”
The tigress rolled onto her back, tail flicking lazily—peace finally returned to her kingdom.
