My heart jumps.
I quicken my pace and find a small group of kids near the rocks, pointing at the water’s edge.
“Which one is bleeding?” I ask, but before they can answer, I see it.
A young seal is clinging to the edge of the rocks, shivering and clearly in distress. Blood stains the water around her, and my chest tightens. She’s so small.
I scan the area, looking for any sign of another seal, but she’s alone. The kids chatter excitedly, telling me a group of sea lions came through not long ago and all the seals scattered—except this one.
A drop of rain hits my cheek, and I glance at the sky. The clouds are thickening, the wind picking up, and I can smell the rain coming.
Panic threatens to cloud my mind, but I force myself to breathe. I need to think.
I reach for my phone, my hands shaking slightly. I scroll to the only contact I have at my new job—my boss, George.
He picks up on the second ring.
“George here.” His deep, older voice is steady.
“Hi, George. It’s May Moreira.”
“May!” he exclaims. “How are you? We’re expecting you. You are coming, right? This isn’t a call to tell me you’ve changed your mind? We’re counting on you.”
“No, George.” I hurry to reassure him. “I’m already in town. I arrived a few days early to settle in.”
“Oh, thank God.” Relief floods his voice. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m by the harbor, on the ocean side,” I say, my voice tightening. “There’s a young seal in distress. She’s bleeding and needs to be transported.”
“Oh no.” The concern in his voice is immediate. “Sure, I can have someone come get it. Where is it exactly?”
I do my best to describe the spot, feeling like a tourist in my own town.
“Alright. I’ll send someone right away. They’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”
“That might be too late.” I glance at the rising tide and the drizzle starting to fall. “She’s in clear distress, and the water’s coming in fast. I’m going to approach and see if I can help. I have gloves in the truck.”
“May, be extremely careful.” His tone turns serious. “That area can get dangerous quickly, especially near high tide.”
“I will. Just send help as fast as you can.”
“Of course. Hang tight, May.”
We disconnect, and I run to my truck, fumbling for gloves and a towel. The drizzle is turning steady now, misting the air.
“Don’t worry, pup,” I say under my breath as I head back toward the shore. “I’m coming for you.”
I make my way down the path, the drizzle soaking into my hoodie and clinging to my hair. My boots crunch on the damp gravel, and I’m thankful I decided to wear my hiking boots today. The last thing I need is to slip and make a bigger mess of this.
The rocks are slick, shining with rain and sea spray. I slow my pace, scanning the shoreline for any sign of other seals that might be lingering nearby, but I don’t see any. It’s just the young one, clinging to the edge of the rocks.
I crouch low, moving carefully, keeping my profile small. I know better than to rush a wild animal, especially one in distress. If it tries to move, it could mean the end for the poor pup. One wrong step into the surf and they’re gone.
“Hey, sweet pup,” I murmur, the sound of my voice blending with the patter of rain on the rocks. “I’m here to help.”
I inch closer, my boots finding purchase on the uneven stones. My eyes scan the small body. This pup is definitely young, with patches of blood darkening its fur. Her sides rise and fall in shallow, uneven breaths.
Every few seconds, she lifts her head, eyes wide and terrified. I move slowly, giving her space, letting her realize I’m not a threat. The last thing I want is to panic the poor pup into the water.
