i don't blame the bear

"Saying goodbye?" She furrowed her brow slightly. "I know you're not saying goodbye to me. We'll see each other shortly." Goodbyes were permanent. This was not permanent by any means. He kissed her, told her that he loved her, and said that he had to go. The woman kissed him back, searched his face, forced a smile and said, "I love you. Stay safe, please." Then she let him go.

Once he was out of sight, Iolaire went into her garden and began preparing. There were several things that she needed to gather before she would follow the trio of bear hunters. Anxiety ate at her stomach, but she fought to push it aside and focus on her task. Positive thoughts would bring them home, she reminded herself.

Some time later, with her task finished, she pulled on her pack and started off towards the place where the bear would die.