The cub squirmed loose and bolted straight into its mother’s chest, pressing against her fur, whimpering with relief. The family was whole again. The bears didn’t leave right away. For a moment, they stood together in the clearing—the mother pressing her muzzle gently against the cub’s head, the larger bear keeping watch near the trees.
Evelyn stepped back to give them space, her hands still shaking from the confrontation. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving only exhaustion and a growing clarity. They had trusted her. And she had seen why.