The moose watched them for a moment longer before turning and disappearing into the shadows, its task seemingly complete. The trek back to the hospital felt endless. The snow seemed deeper, the wind sharper, and every sound in the forest set Julie’s nerves on edge.
Peter’s breathing was labored, the weight of the creature in his arms slowing his pace. “Almost there,” Julie said, more to herself than to Peter. Her flashlight beam caught the faint outline of the hospital’s lights in the distance, and relief surged through her.