Tiny Sovanna, recently rescued and still adjusting to her new world, sat trembling in the corner of the shelter. Her soft cries filled the air, barely louder than a whisper—but full of fear and longing. Her big, teary eyes searched every face, but none of them were Mr. Lin.
He was the only human she had come to trust. His voice, his scent, his gentle hands—those were her safety. And now, without warning, he was gone. Just for a short time. But to Sovanna, it felt like forever.
“Eeeeh… eeeh…” she cried, curling up on her tiny mat. Her fur puffed slightly as her body trembled, and her tiny arms wrapped tightly around her own belly, trying to feel secure. She didn’t understand that Mr. Lin had just stepped out to get her some warm milk.
The other caretakers tried to calm her, offering soft blankets and toys. But Sovanna turned away. She didn’t want anything but him.
Suddenly, from outside the door, came the soft jingling sound of keys. Then footsteps.
Her head lifted—ears perked.
And then—his voice.
“Sovanna? I’m back, little one.”
She let out the loudest cry yet—but this time, it was relief. She bolted across the floor, straight into Mr. Lin’s arms, clinging to him as if her life depended on it.
He scooped her up gently and kissed her head. “I’m sorry, sweet girl. I won’t leave you for long, I promise.”
