“I know,” she replied, not taking her eyes off Ranger. “I just want to see if he can trust me.”

Slowly, she extended a hand, keeping it steady, palm open and facing upward. Everyone held their breath, anticipating the inevitable snarl and snap of teeth. But instead of lunging, Ranger hesitated, his head tilting slightly as if trying to understand this unexpected gesture of peace.

Lily’s mother gripped her purse tightly, anxiety etched in the lines of her face. But she saw the determination in her daughter’s eyes, a look that had always preceded something remarkable. So, she stayed silent, watching the scene unfold.