Night crept through the forest, swallowing the trees in shadow. Beneath the twisted roots of an ancient oak, an old man huddled on the damp earth. His breath came in shallow gasps, his hands shook from the chill, and sorrow clouded his gaze. His own children had led him here, abandoning him like trash, counting on the wilderness to finish what they could not. The house, the land, the fortune — all had been promised to them. Yet the old man still clung stubbornly to life. Frustrated by his survival, his children had left him for the wild beasts, certain death would appear natural.
Leaning weakly against the tree, he flinched at every rustle. The wind whispered through the branches, but beneath it came another sound — a mournful howl, faint yet chilling. His chest tightened. Time was slipping away. “Lord… is this my end?” he murmured, hands trembling in silent prayer.
Then came the snap of a branch, then another. Heavy, deliberate footsteps drew closer. He tried to rise, but his frail frame refused. His wide eyes scanned the darkness — and there it was: a wolf, emerging from the shadows.
Moonlight glinted off its thick fur, eyes glowing like embers. Its lips curled, fangs bared, and the old man braced for pain. Yet the wolf stopped. It lowered its head, letting out a deep, mournful howl — almost as if it spoke to him. Hesitant, the man stretched out a trembling hand. The wolf didn’t back away. It stayed, allowing him to brush against its warm, coarse fur.
Memories returned. Years ago, he had found a young wolf caught in a cruel trap, its cries piercing the forest. Fearless, he had freed it from the iron jaws. The creature had vanished without a backward glance — yet now, it had returned.
This predator was no longer a threat. It crouched low, offering its strength. Summoning the last of his resolve, the old man clung to its neck. With a powerful surge, the wolf lifted him into the forest, leaping over roots and brambles, shadows of creatures scattering at their passing.
Finally, a light broke through the darkness: the glow of a village. Dogs barked, villagers poured out, and froze in astonishment — a massive wolf was gently laying an exhausted old man at their gates.
They carried him inside, wrapped him in warmth, and gave him refuge. Tears ran down his face — not from fear, but from the bitter truth that a creature of the wild had shown more compassion than his own children ever had.
