Voice trembling, she recounted everything—the cave, the oil-slick net, the silent escort back to daylight. Hallett listened like a field biologist collecting data, then straightened. “That explains it. An adult bear rarely stays near humans unless it has a reason. Your guide is almost certainly still waiting.”
He wiped his brow and met her eyes. “Cubs this young decline fast without their mother. Medication buys us hours, not days. Take her back now—portable oxygen, fluids pre-loaded. Reunite them before she leaves to search elsewhere.”