I grabbed the bottom branch of the nearest big tree and swung up. Daniel followed. As I crouched on the branch, I looked for Rafe and found him where I'd last seen him, just standing there with this weird look on his face, like he wanted to run but couldn't. He glowered at the bear and his expression wasn't shock or fear. It was defiance."Rafe!" I screamed.That snapped him out of it. He blinked and saw the forest flattening in a path heading straight for him. His lips formed a curse and he backpedaled.
In the midst of danger, the protagonist quickly reacts by climbing the nearest tree, with Daniel close behind. From their elevated position, they spot Rafe, who appears frozen in place, caught in a moment of contemplation as a bear approaches. Rather than showing fear, Rafe displays a sense of defiance in his demeanor, indicating he is preparing to face the threat.
Realizing Rafe is in danger, the protagonist calls out to him, which breaks his fixation. Rafe finally comprehends the imminent threat as the bear advances and instinctively retreats, muttering a curse as he backs away to escape the perilous situation.