Tense Standoff
Inside the dark room, the bear pivoted, blocking the little bundle now curled on a blanket ripped from a gurney. A rumbling growl rolled through metal rails, more warning than threat. Hana crouched, eyes averted, whispering the soothing cadence she once used on orphaned foxes. Hackles lowered as the animal sampled her scent, hesitating.
Outside, Dr. Steve jogged up, stethoscope swinging. Security debated tranquilizers while nurses evacuated patients. Through the glass, Hana signaled him, two fingers to her eyes, then the bundle. Steve nodded, grabbed gauze and saline, and headed for the room, his calm presence steadying the jittery staff.