The bear moved again, closer this time. Jacob clenched his fists, every muscle in his body taut with fear. But then, the bear did something Jacob couldn’t have anticipated. It stopped just short of him, its massive paw reaching out to touch his leg—gently, almost tentatively.
Jacob’s breath hitched, confusion mixing with his fear. The bear’s touch wasn’t aggressive; it was cautious, almost deliberate. He stood frozen, unsure whether to recoil or stay still. Bernie, too, seemed to sense the strangeness of the situation, remaining calm but watchful.