Time inched by painfully. Samantha sat frozen on the porch steps, gripping her phone so tightly it hurt. Then the screen lit up. She blinked at the reply: “I heard. I’m already getting my gear. I’ll be there soon.” Her breath caught. Her body slumped. Finally, someone was coming who might help.
Alex arrived a few hours later, stepping out of his dusty pickup with a pack over one shoulder. The mood shifted instantly. Even the two volunteers stood straighter. Samantha ran to greet him, her words tumbling out, choked with emotion. Just seeing him brought a flood of strength back to her.
Gathering the small group, Samantha started making the plan. Wandering through the woods aimlessly would only waste time, they needed some solid clue, so they googled various articles on Eagle behaviour and then decided that they had the best shot find Pablo near the rock cliffs at the far end of the forest, as eagles usually nest high – on cliffs or tall trees.
A flicker of hope sparked among the group. Finally, they had direction—a real path forward instead of aimless searching. Samantha adjusted her backpack straps, a quiet resolve settling in her chest. With Alex and her group of volunteers by her side, they set off toward the cliffs, hearts racing, nerves frayed with urgency.