At last, Dr. Wilson administered the injection with focused intent. Susan couldn’t shake the impression that his usually compassionate presence seemed strangely distant today, a feeling that knotted in her stomach.
As Duke’s struggles slowly diminished, Susan tenderly stroked his fur, whispering soothing words. The room fell into a solemn hush, broken only by the faint hum of the vet’s equipment. A deep sorrow enveloped her, as though a part of her soul had been torn away with Duke’s passing.