Shouts filled the air, a cacophony of voices urging Samantha to distance herself from the potentially perilous situation, their tones laced with a mixture of fear and disbelief. When it became apparent that Samantha was not only unafraid but seemingly considering following the bear deeper into the unknown, the crowd’s astonishment turned to open judgment. “That woman is insane, she’s clueless!” they exclaimed, their words a mix of concern and incredulity.

A daring impulse overtook Samantha, her resolve solidifying with a whispered, “Screw it. I’m doing this.” With those words, she stepped away from the safety of the bus stop and into the embrace of the forest. Pushing aside twigs and leaves, she ventured deeper, the foliage closing around her, welcoming her into a world far removed from the one she knew.