Chapter 9 - Recovery and AwakeningIn the back room, converted into a temporary recovery suite, Caesar finally opened both eyes fully. He let out a deep, rumbling sigh and lifted his massive head, sniffing the air.
Hearing the sound, Belle rushed in, followed closely by Knox.
The massive Neapolitan Mastiff wagged his heavy tail just an inch against the floorboards upon seeing Belle. She dropped to her knees, burying her face in his thick neck as happy tears spilled over her uninjured cheek. Caesar licked her hand gently, then turned his gaze toward Knox, letting out a low, affectionate woof.
Knox crouched down, placing a large, calloused hand on the dog's head. "Welcome home, old boy."
He then looked up at Belle, whose face was illuminated by the soft afternoon light pouring through the newly cleaned diner windows. The tension of the past few days was finally beginning to melt away from her shoulders.
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"The doctor says he'll make a full recovery in a couple of weeks," Knox said. "And as for your face..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sleek black card with a gold crest. "This is the direct line to the best dermatological clinic in the country. No scarring. I guarantee it."
Belle looked at the card, then up at Knox. For the first time since the soup hit her face, she smiled—a small, tired, but genuine smile.
