No growl, just a quiet acknowledgment before turning inland, cub toddling after. She remained until both figures vanished over the dune crest. Only then did she notice the sky blazing pink above the water. Strength she hadn’t felt in months steadied her spine.
She packed the empty crate, inhaled salty air, and whispered, “Thank you.” Driving back toward Portland, she replayed Hallett’s words: “Instinct stronger than fear.” Problems waited in the city—job search, rent, unanswered texts—but they no longer felt insurmountable.