Tina quickly understood that the bear’s aggressive actions weren’t meant to be harmful. It was evident the bear, along with the small creature it protected, needed assistance – whether from her or a professional veterinarian. Tina’s heart pounded with the responsibility of the moment, her resolve firming with the realization that she was now their only bridge to safety and care.
She curled into herself, minimizing her presence to seem less intimidating. Amazingly, the bear seemed to understand Tina’s gesture. It relaxed a bit, and its growls turned into cautious whimpers. With the danger not feeling as immediate, Tina took a deep breath. She could smell the musty scent of old cardboard in the air, mixed with her growing determination to get help and save her students.