Firefighting (Visual Imagery)
Firefighting is a risky undertaking for firefighters such as Garret Brock. Firefighters are critical during the fire season: “Every so often, the flames would overtake some small tree or patch of dry bush, and there would be an explosion, sending sparks flying into the air.” The firefighters undertake activities that reduce the destruction arising from wildfires. However, their work is perilous due to the intense smoke that clogs their lungs. Extremely high temperatures, which characterize the wildfires, are a menacing threat to the firefighters' lives. On some occasions, flames overwhelm and trap the firefighting crew members. Winds make firefighting difficult because they accelerate the burning of trees. Furthermore, fighting fires goes on for many days, leaving the firefighters exhausted.
The Growling Sounds and Yelps (Auditory Imagery)
While Garret is searching for what the gray wolf hid on the east side, he hears growling sounds and yelps. Belkom describes, “And then he heard it—a series of low growling sounds…there were several yelps that had been added to the mix.” The sounds lead him to the wolf cubs that had been rescued from the fire by the mother. Presumably, the cubs are searching for their mother, who has already perished in the wildfires. They are desperate and hungry. Their growls and yelps are cries for help which appeal to Garret's emotions. Eventually, Garret sympathizes with the orphaned cubs and decides to take them to his home.
Human Infants (Visual Imagery)
When Phyllis discovers that the wolf cubs have transformed into human infants she quickly summons her husband. At the garage, he witnesses the wolf cubs no longer wolves. Belkom writes, “In the box were four human infants.” If Garret had not seen the infants with his eyes, he would have concluded that his wife was hallucinating. The miraculous happening means that the creatures he brought from the forest are extraordinary. The creatures are humans and wolves; thus, they belong to two worlds. Such an incredible phenomenon implies that sometimes occurrences defy the rules of nature.
