The Truth Revealed
Later, as her strength returned, the girl spoke in a hushed, broken voice. She explained that a man—someone who claimed to be her uncle—had taken her into the woods. At first he was kind, but soon he became harsh, yelling and violent.
Scout had tried to protect her. He barked, he growled, he fought to shield her—until she finally collapsed from exhaustion and injury. Then, against all odds, he carried her through the forest until he found the hospital.
Doctors confirmed her story: bruises, fractured ribs, clear signs of prolonged exposure. One doctor shook his head grimly. “Thirty more minutes, and she wouldn’t have made it.”
Scout had chosen the one place that could save her.
