The bear’s behavior became increasingly attentive as they moved deeper into the woods. Periodic pauses to sniff the air spoke of an acute awareness, a mother’s instinct tuned to the slightest hint of her cub’s presence.
The adult bear’s behavior conveyed more than just animal instinct; it was a mirror to Samantha’s own urgency. The occasional soft growl, a gentle but firm reminder, urged her to hasten her steps. It was as if the bear understood the stakes, its anxiety reflecting the critical nature of their journey.