With cautious anticipation, Emily and a security guard approached Max, who had stopped in the middle of the lobby, setting down the bag carefully. The room fell silent, the usual hospital din momentarily forgotten, as the onlookers wondered what could possibly be inside.

Emily knelt down beside Max, her hand reaching out to pat his head reassuringly. “Good boy, Max,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, as she gently untied the knot of the garbage bag. The plastic rustled softly in the stillness of the lobby.