My heart started racing as I saw the tiger directly in front of me. I had never seen a tiger before, especially not one so close. It seemed like it was sizing me up, and I could feel its large eyes boring into me. All I wanted to do was run, but at the same time, I was rooted to the spot in chill fear. A voice inside me told me to be still, but that voice was in chaos as I desperately searched for a way out.
Eventually I managed to gather enough courage to slowly backed away, my mind tracking every movement the tiger made. I took one step at a time, the sound of my heart thudding in my ears. It felt an eternity passed before I had backed far enough away from the tiger to turn and run. As I took off, I could feel the tiger's gaze still on me, watching me as I left the forest.
I emerged from the forest, my legs shaking with adrenaline. I glanced around, relieved to see that I was out of danger — for now. I vowed to never forget this frightful experience, and to be more mindful of my surroundings on all my future trips into the jungle.