Marcus, enthralled, continued documenting every playful moment. He captured shots of raccoons clinging to railings, scavenging dropped crumbs, and even clambering onto benches for better vantage points. It felt like a bizarrely harmonious tableau—tourists enthralled by wildlife, wildlife enthralled by snacks—until he realized Luna was nowhere in sight.
At first, he assumed she was chasing insects along the water’s edge. He snapped another photo, scanning the crowd for her familiar wagging tail. But the unmistakable flash of golden fur never appeared among the raccoons and people. A twinge of worry pinched his chest.