Pushing aside the foliage, Mike discovered a narrow pit half-hidden by leaves. At the bottom lay a man, arms flailing in silent, frantic gestures. His face was chalk-white, clothes ragged. The moment Mike leaned in, the bear released a snarling growl, ears flattened and muscles tensed.
It was as if the creature regretted allowing this detour, as though the man in the pit were not the true reason it had guided Mike into the woods. Concern warred with confusion. Why bring him here if the bear clearly disapproved of any rescue?