After running, fighting, hiding all night, this is what it has come to. She and I were so tired but the adrenaline kept us from slowing down. Our exhales resembled steam coming from a locomotive.

It’s now early morning and getting cornered at the end of this rickety wooden arctic pier, isn’t fair. The echo of the beast’s cry from the trees gets closer and closer. My partner notices a small ladder leading down to the water, probably for fishing boats.

Oh no! We can see it now step onto the pier, an angry 10-foot white hairy beast with razor sharp bloody teeth and outstretched bloody claws.

It moves toward us gnarling, sniffing the air.

She screamed in terror.

We look at each other, our surrounding. My mind raced for options. The ladder to the water.

Still it gets closer. Now running on all fours.

Here comes the beast.

We quickly climb down onto the ladder. We’ll have to wait this one out as the beast is just above trying to grab us with its claws.