Junior cooed happily in response.

"Aww, he likes you." Charlie spoke before clearing her throat, "Anywho, from earlier, yes, I'm Charlie. I didn't get your name, though, or how you know mine."

Hawking pointed out, "That thing's been stalking us for the past few days. No idea why."

"That thing was stalking you?" Charlie asked as she took out a small vial and some tweezers to collect a sample of the black sludge.

"Yes." Hawking nodded, "Father, my brothers, and I were hiding in these woods to avoid humans. That bear thing showed up and attacked us. Kept circling around the cabin day after day."

Charlie frowned in concern, "And, where is your father?"

"I...don't know. He left one night and hasn't been back since." he replied.