As they walked deeper into the forest, a low rumble of thunder rolled overhead, and the sky suddenly opened up, releasing a heavy downpour. As the rain rapidly got worse, the elephant became visibly restless. It let out a tense, low trumpet, its massive head swinging anxiously as it suddenly accelerated into a fast pace.
Katie and Peter found themselves forced to break into a frantic jog just to keep up with the giant’s massive, urgent strides through the dark woods. Finally, the forest abruptly cleared, leading them onto a dark, deserted street on the other side of the canopy. As they dashed toward the concrete curb, cutting through the sound of the storm, they finally heard it—a faint, heartbreaking sound echoing through the downpour. The unmistakable, high-pitched cries of animals in deep distress were coming directly from beneath a heavy iron sewer grate where the rising stormwater was already pooling.