Walking in Circles

Summary

• Nora is stationed on a small, unnamed island near Bear Island for a climate research project.
• She is assigned as a lookout for polar bears while other scientists conduct fieldwork.
• If a bear is spotted, she is to use a flare gun to scare the bear and alert the others. If the bear approaches, she is to use her rifle.
• Other members of the team also carry firearms due to the potential danger from polar bears.
• While alone on the island, Nora reflects on the solitude and harsh natural environment. She appreciates a deeper connection with nature and herself.
• Nora recalls a past conversation with Ash, a surgeon she had met while her mother was battling ovarian cancer.
• Ash told her about a theory named "Dunbar's number", which states that humans are naturally wired to know around 150 people, and that excessive social connections can lead to loneliness.
• During her solitude, Nora hears a splash. She initially thinks it's a polar bear but discovers it's a walrus.
• Nora is frightened by the walrus, knowing that they can be aggressive and are seldom alone.
• Nora contemplates shooting a flare but the walrus disappears into the fog.
• She briefly reconnects with the other scientists before they fade back into the fog, leaving her once again alone with her thoughts.
• Nora stresses the importance of noticing and reacting to noises in this quiet, stark environment.
• The chapter ends with another splash and a large silhouette approaching, larger than a walrus and much larger than any human, hinting at potential danger.