An Unexpected Visit
That afternoon, something shifted. A faint scratch at the door drew Elena’s attention. She looked up, her eyes swollen from days of tears.
Max stood there.
The golden retriever—Mateo’s loyal companion since infancy—had somehow made his way down the hallway. Behind him stood a young nurse, David, his expression caught between surprise and sympathy.
“Ma’am, the dog…” David began, hesitating. The hospital rules were clear.
Elena rose, her legs trembling. “Please, David. Just for a moment. He misses him so much.” Her voice broke into a whisper.
David glanced at Mateo’s still body, then at Elena’s pleading face. His resolve softened. He gave a small nod.
“Just a few minutes. Let’s make sure no one notices.”
Max stepped inside slowly, his tail lowered as if sensing the gravity of the room. He sniffed the sterile air, his warm brown eyes taking everything in.
He padded toward the bed and, with a soft whine that pierced Elena’s heart, rested his head along the edge.
Mateo’s small hand lay there—pale, cold, unmoving.
Max gently licked it, an instinctive act of devotion. His rough tongue brushed against the boy’s skin.
