Stepan, a forest ranger, heard a slight sound close to his cabin’s fence one chilly winter evening. He noticed a haggard she-wolf with exposed ribs and a calm yet ravenous stare when he opened the door. After a brief moment of hesitation, he went to get some frozen meat and offered it to her after becoming moved by the animal’s anguish.
Despite its seeming simplicity, this gesture was far from insignificant. Unless they are really hungry, wolves hardly ever approach people. They typically avoid villages and remain covert within their domain.
However, the she-wolf returned. Once. But then again. And once more. Despite the villagers’ protests and concerns for their safety, Stepan continued to feed her. He was aware that a wolf that is hungry is much more dangerous than one that is fed.
Then the she-wolf ceased showing up one day. The residents felt a sense of relief. Everyone but Stepan. She was missed. Under the moonlight, he had become used to her quiet visits.
A recognizable snarl echoed beneath his window two months later. He hurried out. The she-wolf was seen. However, she wasn’t by herself this time. Two young wolves were standing by her side, motionless and alert. None of the three moved as they gazed at Stepan.
In that instant, he realized. Somewhere in the jungle, the she-wolf had been feeding her cubs the meat all along. She had brought them to him now. As though to express gratitude. As though bidding farewell.
Then they disappeared into the darkness. Furthermore, wolves were never again spotted in the region.
