Chapter 7: The Paw
Chapter 7: The Paw
Chloe sat in her wheelchair in the hospital garden, staring blankly at the gray concrete. The world was still too sharp, too terrifying.
A shadow fell over her. She flinched violently, her small shoulders instantly curling inward to protect herself.
But it wasn’t a man. It was a giant, clumsy, bright yellow bear.
Barnaby.
The bear didn't speak. It didn't rush her. It just stood there, swaying awkwardly from side to side, radiating a goofy, unthreatening warmth. Slowly, with agonizing care, the bear extended a massive, cartoonish paw. Resting on the plush palm was a single strawberry lollipop.
Chloe stared at it. Her breath hitched. A tense, delicate silence stretched between them.
Then, very slowly, she uncurled her posture. With a trembling hand, she reached out. Her tiny, bruised fingers brushed against the soft, fake fur of the paw as she took the candy.
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Inside the sweltering suit, David squeezed his eyes shut. His chest heaved violently. He bit down hard on his own lower lip until he tasted copper, desperately stifling a gasping, gut-wrenching sob of pure relief.
She was touching him. She wasn't afraid.
