The silence returned.
Then — movement.
It was so small Sarah almost missed it. A flicker. A twitch in Noah’s fingers. Her breath caught in her throat.
“Michael…” she said, not daring to hope. “Did you see—?”
“I thought—” he whispered. “It couldn’t be…”
They watched. The puppy shifted slightly, nuzzling closer, his wet nose brushing Noah’s hand again.
Another twitch.
Then — a faint curl. Barely perceptible, but unmistakable. Fingers that had never moved… curled.
Sarah’s hands flew to her mouth as tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh my God,” she breathed.
Michael blinked hard, disbelief written across his face. “That’s not… it’s not possible.”
But it was happening.
Max remained still, his small body emitting warmth, heartbeat syncing with Noah’s in a quiet rhythm that defied logic.
