Alex looked down at Pablo in his arms, shaking his head with disbelief. “I can’t believe he’s actually okay,” he said, half-laughing. “You’ve got one stubborn little rabbit, Sam.” Then his tone softened, thoughtful. “I read something once—about how eagles mate for life. When they lose their partner… they grieve. Hard.”
He shifted Pablo gently in his arms before continuing. “While grieving, they sometimes misdirect their care. She may have mistaken Pablo for one of her own—a helpless creature in need of protection. It’s rare, but survival instincts do strange things, especially when grief is involved.”
Samantha barely heard the explanation. Her eyes were locked on Pablo, her chest heaving with emotion. She reached out, arms trembling. Alex smiled as he placed the bunny gently into her arms. Pablo nestled instantly into her neck, vibrating with deep, rapid purring as if nothing had happened.
She sank to her knees in the damp grass, hugging him close, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You ridiculous little thing,” she whispered, half-laughing through her sobs. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.” Pablo nuzzled into her jacket, his soft paws resting against her wrist, the faint sound of teeth gently clicking as he relaxed.