The small creatures shifted in the shadows, their eyes reflecting James’s flashlight and casting an eerie glow. The soft rustling of their movements filled the heavy silence, making the moment all the more unsettling.
James’s voice broke through, tinged with concern. “Remember the one you told me about at the school? The injured one? Seeing these down here… they might be in trouble too. Maybe they fell in and can’t get out. We can’t just leave them like this.”
Tina nodded, her resolve growing stronger. The image of the injured creature flashed through her mind—the pleading eyes full of pain and need.
“You’re right,” she said firmly. “If the wolves brought us here, it’s because they want us to help. We have to save them.”
Tina’s heart hammered in her chest as she called down to James, “Hold on! I’m going to get you—and those creatures—out of there!” She knew she needed a plan, and fast.
Glancing around, her eyes landed on a sturdy tree nearby. An idea sparked—she could use it to anchor the rope.
She hurried over, grabbed the spare rope from James’s bag, and wrapped it tightly around the tree trunk, securing it with a triple knot. Confident it would hold, she called down, “James, the rope’s anchored. Start bringing the creatures up, one at a time. I’ll make sure they’re safe.”
James’s voice echoed up from the well, “Got it! Here comes the first one!” Tina held her breath as a small, furry creature emerged from the shadows, gently cradled in James’s hands. Using his jacket as a makeshift sling, he carefully carried the animal upward.
As James drew near, Tina reached down and lifted the frightened creature to safety.
“You’re safe now, little one,” she whispered softly.
She gathered a bed of leaves, creating a warm, cozy spot for the rescued animals to rest.
One by one, more creatures appeared as James made trip after trip down the rope. Each time he climbed back up, his muscles strained and Tina’s nerves tightened — but the rope held firm.
With every rescue, a wave of relief washed over Tina.