Both Theodora and Gerald waited for the snow leopard to launch at Gerald to tear his chest with its sharp claws. But that never happened.
Gerald watched in utter shock as the animal turned around and walked away as graciously and soundlessly as it had come.
As soon as Gerald's mind was sure that the animal would not change its mind and return to finish its unfinished business, his body gave up on the strength it was holding on to before it collapsed in the soft layer of the snow.
Theodora gasped for air, not realising that all this time she was holding her breath in fear of committing a life-threatening mistake.
She looked at Gerald, who was on his knees, his head low as he breathed hard. The adrenaline kicked in, and she rushed his way before falling to her knees beside him.
Theodora wrapped her arms around his shoulders to feel how hot his body was. She wanted to say something, but her voice betrayed her.
