Just before dawn, a soft gasp broke the silence. Her eyelids fluttered open, unfocused at first, then settled on the figure lying beside her.

Her lips trembled. “Scout,” she whispered.

The dog’s ears perked instantly. He rose and pressed his nose to the bed’s edge, releasing a soft huff of relief.

The Truth Revealed

Later, as her strength returned, the girl spoke in a hushed, broken voice. She explained that a man—someone who claimed to be her uncle—had taken her into the woods. At first he was kind, but soon he became harsh, yelling and violent.