Ten quiet minutes passed. Meera didn’t flinch. When Jamie gently returned Nibbles, the pup bounded back to her side like a child returning home. Meera licked his head and lay back down. Later, Jamie was called in. “Technically, Nibbles is yours,” Asha began. Jamie cut her off softly.
“If he’s happy, and she’s happy… let him stay. I’ll still visit. I just want them to be happy.” The zoo issued a statement. Headlines flooded the internet: “Tiger Adopts Puppy,” “Unlikely Bond Melts Hearts.” Visitors swarmed the exhibit. Kids wore tiger stripes and floppy dog ears.
The gift shop sold out within hours. Inside the enclosure, changes began. A hybrid den was built. Shallow stepping stones were added to the stream. Meera watched every detail calmly, patiently. She’d changed. Her coat looked brighter. She played again.
And if Nibbles wandered too far, she followed—silent and watchful. When anyone got too close to the glass, she placed herself between them and the pup. Two weeks later, Jamie visited again. “Nibbles?” he called softly.
The puppy came running, ears flapping like wings. Jamie scooped him up, and this time, Meera approached the barrier too. She sat down and let out a low, soft sound. It almost sounded like a quiet thanks.