Homecoming

The stench was unbearable. Stefan heaved, but there was nothing left in his stomach after days on the run from the camp. Slowly, he crawled inside the bear’s half-rotten carcass. Among the maggots, he found shelter from the Siberian wind.

In the morning, he would brave the tundra again and continue to walk. On and on, towards home, even if it took years.

***

Little Jaś is playing with Rex when he notices a stranger in their yard. The boy runs into the house, screaming for his mother and stepdad.

Rex rushes towards the man, wagging his tail in recognition.