One by One
Steve used strips of cloth from his undershirt to fashion a sling for the first pup. He guided it gently into the harness, signaling Hana to pull. Slowly, carefully, she brought it to the surface. Peter reached in and lifted the creature free, cradling it like a newborn. “Alive, but cold.”
The bear gave a soft growl of recognition. Hana set the pup beside her. “We’ll keep them warm,” she promised. One by one, Steve passed up more, four in total. Each looked wild, unfamiliar, and vulnerable. The fifth was smaller, weaker. Peter’s voice shook. “This one won’t last long without heat.”