staring down a gun barrel.

He dropped and skidded to the side, throwing up a cloud of dust and gravel, then kept rolling.

The shotgun blast hit the bear point blank in the face. It slumped forward onto the ground with a spray of blood and a hiss of air as its last breath escaped.

Josh rolled onto his knees, panting, his heart just about bursting in his chest.

Vickie pumped the shotgun and the empty cartridge tumbled in slow motion to the floor. Josh watched it as it bounced and tumbled end over end.

She fired another shot into the back of the bear’s head. Josh jumped and clutched at his chest.

Her hand appeared in front of his face, the sleeves of her threadbare, crochet jumper coming down to her fingers. “Igate, Josh let the tension dissipate. The throb in his crushed foot immediately doubled and tears moistened his eyes.

He left the others to deal with the bear and hobbled towards to the cluster of cabins which formed the main accommodation for the camp. No one stopped him.

Even though Holly was carrying his baby, Vicky had refused to let them share a cabin. She’d promised that once the baby was born and Josh had turned sixteen then the arrangement could be reviewed.

Usually he was fine with it, but right now he needed her. He knocked on the door to her shared cabin.

Bethanne opened the door. “Hey Josh, she’s sle… what the hell happened to you?” Her eyes widened and he realised what a state he must look, with blood