Page 60 of Wilderness Daddy

Chapter Thirteen

Akari

I wake up wrapped tightly in Landon’s arms, the sleeping bag over our naked bodies. I take a minute to enjoy the quiet. His deep breathing, the birds, and the buzz of a fly are the only sounds around me and I let the rhythm and peace lull me until my bladder prods me to move.

Sliding out without disturbing him isn’t too hard. He’s dead asleep. I smile down at him, admiring his rugged face before throwing on my clothes and sneaking off.

I don’t want to do my business anywhere near camp so I head down the slope of the mountain. I’m not sure of the time and I didn’t take my pack so I can’t check but when I come to a clearing near a lake, my mind is totally taken from thoughts of time.

Mist rises off of the flat water, making it look mysterious and beautiful. Adding to the mystifying beauty is the unique color, almost turquoise rather than blue. I quickly relieve myself so I can explore and clean myself up a bit at the lake.

As I get closer my jaw drops. A moose, a huge moose, stands at the edge of the lake, water dripping from its mouth a moment before its head goes down for another drink. It’s not close enough for me to worry, so I undress, stand in the shallows and wash, splashing the frigid water over my body.

The moose only continues its business ignoring me. I know from watching the Wilderness Man videos that moose eat vegetation but are dangerous due to their territorial nature, but he’s far enough away that I pose no threat. I keep watch just in case though. As it leaves, I’m dressing and when I turn around to head back to camp, my heart bursts into a frenzied beat.

A bear, big, black, and curious, is watching the moose.

I fight to keep my breathing even and try to think. It isn’t paying me any attention and I don’t want it to. I take a step back, fighting to recall what Landon said in his videos about black bears, but the adrenaline is making my ears buzz and my legs itch to run.

Don’t run. Back away slowly. I should have been noisier earlier, I think, mentally degrading myself. Make noise so animals have an opportunity to avoid you.

I take one step and then another. The bear, black with a tan muzzle, turns at the snapping of a twig under my foot. I freeze, my breath instantly gone.

The bear’s ears prick toward me. It’s leaner with longer legs, making it look gawky and young. It turns its whole body toward me and I swallow hard. I take another few steps back, but let out a yelp as it begins to follow and I stumble back into the tall grass by the water.

Panicking, I swat at the tall grass as if I’m drowning in it. It’s obstructing my view. I glance at the water no more than three feet away. Can bears swim? Landon’s voice speaks in my head. Stand firm, make yourself big and intimidating. It’s what he said in the video on black bears.

“Go! Bad bear, go!” The words were meant to come out strong and forceful, but they fall limply from my mouth. The bear rears up on two legs and it’s in my sight again, sniffing at the air. Although it’s still fifteen feet from me, and mostly just watching curiously, I’m positive I’m going to be mauled. I squeeze my eyes shut.

I’m going to die. I don’t want to die!

“Git!” Landon’s deep voice is firm and loud. I’m sure it’s my imagination until I feel his hand on me. It startles me, but relief follows instantly as I scramble to my feet, spinning to get my bearings.

“Daddy!” His arms go around me and pull me tightly against him. I’m so small next to him, I feel hidden, which is exactly what I need to feel.

“Go on, now, git!” he hollers and his strong voice vibrates through me.

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