For an agonizing moment, the bear’s gaze shifted from Nicole to Mike, then back again. Its posture spoke of uncertainty, as though it was wrestling with fight-or-flight instincts. Mike found himself breathing in shallow bursts, mind whirling with every terrifying possibility: the bear might charge, Nicole might scream, or something else in the woods might jump them.
Mike slowly set his hand on his chest, drawing the bear’s attention. “Easy,” he whispered hoarsely, voice trembling. “We’re not here to hurt you. We’re just…just trying to help.” He doubted the bear could truly understand, but he hoped it recognized his calm demeanor. Beneath his words, his thoughts churned: “You led me here.”