As the nurses wheeled Max into the room, there was a palpable sense of anticipation mingled with sadness. The dog’s presence seemed to carry a weight of its own, a silent acknowledgment of the bond between man and animal that transcends words. Max’s eyes scanned the room, finally landing on the still figure of James. His tail stopped wagging, and for a moment, the room was filled with an expectant pause.

But then something unexpected happened. As if sensing the gravity of the situation, Max suddenly barked loudly, startling everyone in the room. The sound was not one of fear or distress but rather of urgency and insistence. The nurses exchanged curious glances, confused by the dog’s behavior. Max then leaped onto the bed, positioning himself beside James with a sense of purpose that was impossible to ignore.