Bernie didn’t move, his body tense and unwavering. Jacob wanted to grab him, to flee, but his legs felt like lead. The bear took a step forward, its sheer size making the ground seem to tremble. Panic surged in Jacob as he instinctively pulled Bernie’s leash, placing himself between the dog and the beast.
He stood there, heart pounding, gripping Bernie’s leash tightly. He knew running would be futile—bears were fast, faster than he could ever hope to be. He braced himself, ready for the worst, the primal instinct to protect Bernie overwhelming his terror.