Hours passed in fitful silence. Dr. Edwards periodically adjusted the rabbit’s position, administering more fluids and gently warming its ears and feet. Its breathing stabilized, growing steadier yet still shallow. Allan dozed in short bursts, waking each time the building creaked under a fierce gust.
Eventually, the sky began to lighten, signaling dawn. Though the storm raged on, the first hint of morning gave Allan renewed hope. He rubbed his eyes and stood, stepping carefully toward the enclosure. The rabbit looked less rigid, its ears twitching slightly in response to stimuli.