As Lisa hesitated, the bear turned abruptly and moved back toward the shoreline, pausing every few steps to glance back at her. It wanted her to follow. Against all logic, she stood and took a few cautious steps forward. The bear continued its slow trek, making sure she stayed behind.
When Lisa stepped closer, she noticed faint, distressed cries carried on the wind. Her stomach tightened. It wasn’t just the bear that needed help. Someone or something else was in trouble. She quickened her pace, her feet sinking slightly in the damp sand as she followed the bear toward the source of the sounds.