The Longest Wait

Hana paced the hallway, her clothes still damp, heart thudding with every beep from inside. The bear waited just beyond the treatment door, unnervingly calm. Peter stood by the coffee machine, watching her. “You okay?” he asked softly. She nodded, arms crossed tightly. “I just don’t want to lose any of them.”

Steve emerged with a towel around his neck and two hot teas. “You did everything right,” he said, handing one to her. Hana didn’t speak. She just sipped and stared at the vet’s door. The clock ticked louder than ever. Each second stretched. They waited, breathing hope with every shallow breath..