A weak cry floated out as the cub wriggled forward. The bear answered with a deep rumble, meeting the cub halfway. Mother—now Tessa allowed herself that word—sniffed the bandages, nudged gently, then licked oil-chafed fur with sweeping strokes.
The cub pressed close, tiny claws kneading her shaggy chest. The reunion felt sacred as sunrise. Tessa wiped her eyes, tension draining like ebb tide. The bear lifted its head, gazing at her with an expression she could only label as recognition.