Upon waking at dawn, Cole found himself in a painful and disoriented state, then suddenly saw a white bear standing on the shoreline.
Cole's Condition Upon Waking
When Cole awoke around dawn, he was in a dire physical condition. The overnight events had left him severely impacted, both physically and due to the destruction around him.
- Covered in Ashes: His body was covered in ashes, indicating he had been lying directly on the remnants of his burned shelter.
- Lying on Shelter Remains: He was resting on what was left of the destroyed structure, which likely contributed to his discomfort and injuries.
- Body Pain: Cole's entire body ached, suggesting widespread trauma or strain.
- Injured Limbs: Specifically, his knees and elbows were hurt, likely from the fire or his efforts to survive it.
- Limited Clothing: He had very little clothing remaining, exposing him to the elements and potentially contributing to his discomfort.
The Sighting
Amidst his painful awakening, Cole's attention was suddenly drawn to a striking presence:
- White Bear: He saw a white bear standing clearly on the shoreline. This sudden appearance marks a significant moment.
Cole's Reaction
While the reference explicitly describes what Cole saw and his physical state, it does not detail his immediate emotional or physical reaction to seeing the white bear (e.g., fear, surprise, wonder). It only states that he "suddenly" saw it, implying an abrupt and unexpected sighting.
