Mark’s discomfort grew when he started noticing how Emily’s behavior had changed as well. She seemed to be getting more secretive, frequently leaving the house at odd times, returning home exhausted and sometimes wincing as though in pain. Every time Mark tried to talk to her about it, she brushed him off with vague answers. But Coco never left her side, and if Mark dared to ask too many questions, the capybara would stand between them, its large frame almost shielding Emily from view.
One night, Mark followed Emily after she left the house just before midnight. He trailed her at a safe distance, heart racing as she drove to a small, inconspicuous clinic on the outskirts of town. She stayed inside for over an hour, and when she came out, her face was pale and tight with worry. Mark had no idea what she was doing there, but he couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in his gut. Something was wrong.