Relief washed over Tanner like a wave, his knees almost buckling as he let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Iqaluk’s eyes filled with tears again, but this time, they were tears of joy, of overwhelming relief. They had done it. They were going to be rescued!
The two men spent the night huddled in the basement, the polar bear cub nestled between them for warmth. They spoke quietly, sharing stories, their words a comfort against the cold that seeped through the walls.