Seizing a moment of distraction, Samantha made a sudden, darting move to the side. The traveler attempted to respond, but the bear’s imposing roar filled the air, its deep sound creating a pause that allowed Samantha a precious advantage.
Without a second thought, Samantha seized the opportunity to flee, darting into the dense forest with the knife an extension of her resolve. The underbrush, thick with foliage and shadow, offered both cover and challenge, a labyrinthine escape route she hoped would confuse her pursuers and veil her path in secrecy.