Dr. Monroe exhaled sharply, then straightened. “I need you to wait outside,” she said, her tone firm but not unkind. “I’ll do everything I can, but I need space to work.” Daniel hesitated, reluctant to leave, but nodded stiffly and stepped back.
As he moved into the waiting area, he hovered just outside the door, unable to fully walk away. Through the small glass panel, he could still see inside, watching as Dr. Monroe moved with practiced urgency, carefully pressing along the pup’s ribs.