The nurse closest to him blinked, unsure she’d heard right. “Who is Max, sweetheart?”

“My dog. I miss him so much. Please…” Ethan’s lips trembled.

The nurse stroked his thin arm softly. “Animals aren’t allowed here, darling. You’re already very weak. Do you understand?”

Ethan turned his head away. Tears glistened in the corners of his eyes.

“But… I may never see him again.”

Her heart sank. She glanced at her colleagues. Rules were rules, but the raw truth in his words and the fear in his small voice made her pause. After a long moment, she whispered:

“Alright. Just for a minute.”