The “log” now towered above the high-water line, water streaming off thick fur. A full-grown grizzly stood there, shoulders heaving, eyes locked on her. Instinct screamed at her to run. She backed away, slipped, and fell hard. The bear advanced, slow and certain, paws thudding on wet sand.
Her heartbeat roared in her ears as it closed the gap. She squeezed her eyes shut, braced for the strike, and heard only one heavy thud. When she dared to peek, the bear was sitting right in front of her, huge and still, watching as if waiting for her next move.