By dawn, the story rippled through the small mountain town: how a humble math teacher and his faithful dog helped save a rare white calf from ruthless poachers. Locals hailed Wade a hero, though he brushed off the title. He felt only gratitude—to Milo, to the forest, and to the wounded moose whose silent plea set everything in motion.
As officers bustled to clear traps and gather evidence, Wade gazed at the moose one last time. The massive creature met his eyes, then turned to nuzzle the calf, as if to promise that they both would endure. Something in that exchange of looks thawed the lingering dread in Wade’s heart.