>I took pictures, but they were only small consolation to what I could’ve had.

I tried tracking it but after ten feet it became jumbled in the brush, and I lost the track.

But it was here, I knew it. And it was curious about me. Maybe I could use that to my advantage.

I went home and packed up for a camping trip. I came back out to the spot I saw it and made camp in a clearing. It was strange to be on the quiet side. I wish I would’ve set up camp where I could hear the nightly noises of crickets and woodland animals instead of this oppressive silence that made no sense. But I thought if it was quiet, I might be able to hear it approach.

I had baited the hook, and now armed with my pistol, hunting knife, and a thermos full of hot coffee, I w...

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