I led the officer and Mrs. Miller into the living room. Marsa lifted her head, eyes narrowing slightly at the unfamiliar presence. I crouched beside the basket, gently stroking her fur. “It’s okay, Marsa,” I whispered soothingly.

As I carefully picked up the puppies, one by one, Marsa watched intently, her eyes following each movement. Lili knelt beside her, whispering comforting words of farewell. The little girl’s empathy for Marsa’s motherly instincts was palpable.

Once the puppies were safely in the officer’s arms, Mrs. Miller offered a rare smile. “You have quite the cat there,” she said, a hint of admiration in her voice.