Juno slumped down by the door the moment they entered, his body sagging with exhaustion. He didn’t bark or shake off—just lay there, chest heaving, eyes fluttering shut. Maya’s heart ached at the sight. “Poor thing,” she whispered. “You did more than your share.”
She helped the woman into a chair near the table, then hurried down the hall. From a cabinet, she pulled out her small propane heater. She lit it, clicked the switch, and brought it to the door. She placed it gently in front of Juno, hoping the warmth would help.
Then she disappeared into the kitchen. The kettle went on, her soaked clothes came off, and she slipped into dry ones from her bedroom. She returned with a soft bundle and offered it to the woman. “These should fit,” she said gently. “Come, I’ll help you change.”
When they returned, Maya carefully bandaged the woman’s arm using gauze and strips from her first aid kit. It wasn’t perfect, but it was clean and firm. She poured two mugs of hot tea and handed one over, the rising steam finally warming the corners of the room.