Mike swallowed and forced himself closer to the rim of the pit. “Hey!” he called down, voice tight with fear. “Hang on. Are you hurt?”The man rasped through chattering teeth, eyes wide and glassy. “T-trap… I got stuck.” His fingers clawed at the dirt walls. “Please, help me… I’m bleeding, I think.”
Mike winced at the bear’s renewed growling but held his ground. “I’ll try,” he assured, searching for anything sturdy to stabilize his descent. To the man, he added more quietly, “Don’t move too much. I’ll figure something out.” A hacking cough wracked the stranger. “Hurry.” he managed, voice trembling.