CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY TWO - An Unsettling Discovery

The giraffe enclosure was breathtaking. Tall, graceful creatures ambled about, their long necks stretching towards the leafy branches above. "Alright, folks," the zookeeper announced, "who wants to feed our gentle giants?" Sophie's hand shot up immediately. "Me, me!" Ella watched nervously as the zookeeper helped Sophie onto a raised platform, handing her a bunch of leaves. Lucas stood close by, his hand resting protectively on Sophie's back. "Hold your hand out flat," the zookeeper instructed. "Don't worry, their tongues are rough, but they won't hurt you." As the giraffe's long, purple tongue wrapped around the leaves in Sophie's hand, the little girl squealed with delight. "Mama, it tickles!" Ella couldn't help but laugh, her fears momentarily forgotten as she watched her daughter's unbridled joy. She snapped a quick photo with her phone, wanting to capture this precious moment forever. After the feeding, as they made their way back to the main path, Ella felt a tap on her sh