Ryan’s hands trembled as he pulled back the soaked fabric. Inside lay a tiny puppy, no bigger than his forearm, its fur caked with mud and rain. The little creature whimpered weakly, its body shivering with cold. Ryan blinked, unable to process what he was seeing. A bear had carried this fragile animal to him. Why? He quickly shrugged off his jacket and wrapped the puppy inside, holding it close to his chest. The small heartbeat against his ribs felt faint but steady. “You’re okay now,” he whispered, his voice cracking from relief and disbelief. He looked up toward the forest again, hoping to see the bear, but the mist had swallowed her whole.

The forest was silent once more. The air felt lighter now, calmer, as if the woods themselves had exhaled. Ryan sat on the cold ground, staring at the spot where the bear had vanished. It didn’t make sense. Bears didn’t act like this. Not ever. Yet, he knew what he had seen. He pulled the puppy closer to the fire, rubbing its fur to warm it up. The tiny animal sighed softly, curling against him. Ryan’s heart ached at the thought that this helpless life had somehow crossed paths with a grieving wild mother. He whispered a quiet “thank you” to the forest, unsure if anyone or anything was listening. But deep down, he felt it. Somewhere out there, she was watching.