Determined to stay prepared, she resolved to trust her instincts and keep her options open, despite feeling unready for what lay ahead. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, Hazel texted her boyfriend, Derek: “Sharing location just in case, I’ll explain later.”
She slipped her phone away, a small but crucial link to her world as she ventured into the unknown with the bear. The bear moved steadily, glancing back to ensure Hazel kept up. As they navigated the forest, Hazel’s curiosity grew.