When the roar faded, Caleb noticed something strange. “Ethan,” he whispered, “look at her side.” Beneath the stripes, her left flank bulged unevenly, rising with each breath.
Ethan’s face tightened. “That wasn’t there yesterday.” He lifted his radio. “Possible swelling on left abdomen. Refusing food. Aggressive on approach.”
He glanced toward Lily, who stood frozen beside her father. “We’ll sedate her tonight,” he said quietly. “If it’s an infection or a blockage, we can’t risk waiting.”
Lily bit her lip. “Will she be okay?” Ethan hesitated. “We’ll do everything we can.”
