“Hey old man, what’s up that you’re calling so soon?” Matt’s caller ID told him it was Steve’s cell, and he wondered why. The group had only left a day and a half before.
“It’s me,” his sister’s voice came across the line. Her voice was tight, telling him something wasn’t right.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Alex. She’s been hurt. It’s pretty bad.” She spoke in short sentences like she was out of breath or exhausted. His whole body went cold.
“What happened?”
“Fight with a bear—” there was a crash, then silence as if the phone had been dropped.
“Damn it, Jade!” He heard in the distance, then. “You still there?” Steve’s voice came across the line.
“Yeah, is JV alright? And what’s this about Alex and a bear?” Matt sat hard in the recliner, unable to stand any longer. Steve snorted.
“Jade’s a
