Suddenly, the mother elephant stopped, her head swiveling around to look at Amara and the calf, urging them to press on as she positioned herself between them and the poachers. Amara hesitated, unsure whether to stay close or keep running. But with a gentle nudge of her trunk, the mother elephant pushed Amara forward, urging her and the calf to continue without her.
The calf whimpered softly but obediently followed, leading Amara deeper into the trees. They moved in silence, her mind racing as she tried to grasp her situation. She felt the primal thrill of survival, tempered only by the raw fear clinging to her every thought.