Jamie was already running before she got a response. His legs ached but his mind raced faster. He dodged strollers, jumped over a puddle, and followed the rising tide of gasps and voices. His chest tightened with every step. Something was wrong. And somehow, he knew it was Nibbles.
A crowd had gathered by the tiger enclosure. Phones were up. Some were recording. Others were shouting for staff. “There’s a dog in there!” someone cried. Jamie shoved his way through bodies, elbowed past a man with a camera, and froze when he reached the glass. It was Nibbles.
The tiny golden pup was inside the tiger enclosure, standing near the artificial stream, tail wagging uncertainly. Visitors stared in horror. Some whispered prayers. Others backed away slowly. “Where’s the tiger?” Jamie whispered. No one answered. A moment later, Meera stepped into view.
The air changed instantly. Gasps turned to silence. Every muscle in Jamie’s body turned to ice. Meera padded forward, slow, deliberate, her eyes fixed on the tiny intruder. She was many times his height and weight. Her paws made no sound on the grass. Jamie felt his mouth go dry.