Nestled deep within the verdant embrace of a lush green valley lies a captivating forest, a beloved sanctuary for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. On a serene afternoon, Reuben ventured along one of the winding trails that weave through the mountains of this enchanting locale.

These trails, characterized by their gentle slopes and manageable lengths of just 20 to 30 minutes, were typically regarded as safe and inviting. Today, however, as Reuben sought a respite from the heat, an unsettling shift hung in the air.

The sky, once a brilliant blue, began to darken ominously, casting shadows that danced among the trees. The forest, usually vibrant with life, filled with an unusual acrid chill—a harbinger of an unexpected turn in the day’s adventure.

“Something is wrong,” Reuben thought, he trudged for a few more minutes, but Reuben could not pinpoint precisely where he was on his cognitive map of the trails.

“I'm lost,” he thought his vision muddied by the blanket of fog and shadow that wrapped the sky.

Abruptly he heard rustling in the nearby bushes, and worry set in

“What was that?” he thought, precisely at that moment two large white wolves strode out of the sage. They kept silent but their eyes stood focused on Reuben, they slowly stepped closer and closer to him Reuben did not lift his gaze from the beasts as he stepped back.

“Easy” he whispered to himself slowly. He then misstepped and fell forcefully hitting his head on a branch, the wolves pounced.

The first clasped his shoe and the other clawed and bit at his face. Reuben stood up blood trickling into his eyes.

As he ran the wolves barked and pursued after him.

He stepped on a sharp rock and tore open his bare foot. He ran, nowhere to go he tripped again flailing and rolling down the hill. After a few seconds of rumbling, he hit something flat and he lay there.

The dogs came crashing from the trees, and they barked loudly then there was a bright light and a loud screech, the beasts let out a whine.

The door opened and a familiar face ran to Reuben it was his wife, she grabbed his aching body.

“Let's get you to a hospital,” she said as Reuben fell unconscious.