Scarlet clutched her brother's hand tightly as they stood at the edge of the clearing. The woods around them seemed to swallow the fading light, casting long shadows that danced ominously among the trees. "Stay close, Ben," she whispered, her voice barely above a tremor, knowing that they were truly alone now.
The siblings ventured deeper into the forest, each step crunching on the blanket of leaves beneath their feet. The moon, a silver sentinel, peeked through the canopy, providing just enough light to guide their way. Ben, wide-eyed and frightened, clung to Scarlet's side, his small voice breaking the stillness. "Where did they go, Scarlet?" he asked, his eyes searching her face for answers she couldn't give.
A low growl echoed through the trees, sending a chill down Scarlet's spine. Her heart pounded as she realized the danger lurking nearby. "We need to find shelter, now," she urged, pulling Ben along, her senses heightened by the threat stalking them.
They stumbled upon a cave, its entrance partially hidden by overgrown vines. Scarlet hesitated for a moment, listening to the ominous growls growing nearer. "Inside, quickly!" she instructed, her voice firm despite the fear gnawing at her insides. They slipped into the cave, the damp air wrapping around them like a protective cloak.
Inside, the cave was cool and quiet, the only sounds the dripping of water and their own ragged breaths. Ben huddled close to Scarlet, his small frame shaking with fear. "We'll be okay, Benny," she assured him, her words a lifeline for both of them.
The bear's snarl echoed outside, a reminder of the danger that prowled the night. Scarlet knew they had to act smart to survive. "We have to make it think we're not here," she whispered to Ben, formulating a plan. Using rocks and sticks, they created a diversion, the noise drawing the bear's attention away from their hiding place. As the bear lumbered off in the wrong direction, Scarlet felt a flicker of hope. They had outsmarted the beast, at least for now.
