The ground revealed drag marks through the undergrowth, ending in disturbed gravel, leading toward the river. “Probably the bear dragged him for a while?” Martinez said quietly. “Must’ve taken him on his back to cross the river here.” Reed shook his head, saying, “Unreal.”
The bear circled the camp once more, then sat down heavily in the mud, chest rising and falling. “He’s done showing us,” Reed murmured. Martinez nodded. “Back then.” The convoy reversed course, engines growling low through the trees. The bear led them again—back to the hospital. It quietly took up its previous position behind the barricade.