Mystery Deepens

Peter worked quickly, fashioning a makeshift splint from tongue depressors and tape. The bear licked the pup’s fur while watching with almost unnerving intelligence. Hana sat near the wall, eyes flicking between Peter and the animal. “Do bears adopt other species?” she asked. Peter shook his head. “Not like this. Not unless…”

He paused, then added, “Maybe she lost her own cubs. Trauma can shift behavior. She might be seeing this pup as her own.” Steve looked up. “So this is grief?” Peter nodded, wiping his hands. “Grief… and maybe instinct. But either way, she wants help. And we owe her that.”