With practiced hands, the nurse checked the soldier’s pulse and gently roused him. Slowly, he opened his eyes, disoriented at first but quickly returning to the present, his gaze landing on his loyal companion first. The Shepherd’s tense posture relaxed, its tail now wagging as it licked the soldier’s face, reassuring him with its presence.
The young man sat up with a wince, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment but his eyes grateful. “I’m okay,” he croaked, his voice hoarse from exhaustion. “Just… tired.” He glanced around at the concerned faces gathered, the weight of their curiosity and care pressing down on him.
