Emily nodded even though he couldn’t see it. “Please kiss her for me.” “I will. Call me when you hear anything.” The call ended, leaving Emily in a quiet so sharp it almost rang in her ears. Her daughter was safe. Now all her fear funneled into one place. Ranger.
A door swung open. A veterinarian stepped out, still wearing gloves, her face composed in that careful way doctors have when outcomes could go either direction. “Are you Ranger’s owner?” Emily stood so fast her chair scraped. “Yes.”
The vet approached, voice calm but firm. “We administered antivenom immediately. Coral snake venom works quickly — he’s weak, but the fact that he made it here this fast gives him a real fighting chance.”
Emily pressed her hand to her mouth, knees wobbling. “He’s alive?” “For now,” the vet said gently. “But he needs the next few hours to go perfectly. We’re monitoring him closely.” Emily nodded, tears slipping freely now. “Thank you. Please… please do everything you can.”