Nicole emerged from behind a cluster of pines, breathless, phone clutched in one hand like a lifeline. The faint moonlight revealed her wide, worried eyes and the tension that strung her shoulders tight.
She spotted Mike and exhaled audibly, relief flooding her face. “Mike, oh my God. Are you okay?” she asked, voice trembling. She took a step forward, but froze when she caught sight of the bear just feet away from him.