The Last Climb

Steve climbed the rope with effort, exhausted but focused. When he reached the top, Peter and Hana helped pull him over the edge. Rain drizzled again, mixing with mud and leaves. They now had five strange pups in makeshift wraps, all blinking, shivering, and silent. The bear remained close, expression unreadable.

“She brought us here for them,” Hana whispered. “She knew they were down there.” Steve nodded. “It’s like she waited until someone would listen.” Hana crouched and touched the smallest pup’s cheek. “They won’t survive long in this cold.” Peter looked around. “We need to move. Fast. Before another storm hits.”