Fading Forest Fables
Short stories for other people’s children.
Chapter 2 – Bear’s Bedtime Story
On the third night that Fox cried in her sleep it occurred to Bear that in many ways she was closer to him than his parents. It was such a long time since he had seen them last; far away in the cave which had been all he knew of the world.
Winter had long overstayed her welcome, stretching her visit through two seasons and still giving no sign of leaving. Papa bear was out foraging for longer and longer. On the last day Bear had seen them; papa bear was gone for several weeks and came home with just the husk of a single white berry,
“Listen son,” said momma bear as bear cub huddled next to her. “Oldest Grandmother has grown tired of the stories of men, and is coating the world with snow until everything is white and clean and new. The end of every story Oldest Grandmother tells is also a beginning, which is her magic. When the spring comes the world will be new.”
“Winter will be long, too long for many of Oldest Grandmother’s children. There will be no food for many moons, and it will be bitterly cold. Even down here in our cave near the heart of the world it may be too harsh for us. But we bears have magic stories too, so tonight we will tell you the story of how bear cub slept through the winter to wake with the season’s change. Papa bear has been out foraging, and he has brought back a magic berry which will transform momma and papa bear into food and blankets to keep our baby warm and well fed.”
So momma bear and papa bear ate supper and they all went to sleep and baby bear dreamt that his ancestors and great ancestors came and danced on the walls of the cave, and they sang to him songs about the bears of antiquity, and it was not too hot, and not to cold, and there was always plenty to eat.
Outside the cave the seasons slowly turned, and at long last spring came, and then it was time for his ancestors to leave. Momma bear gave bear cub one last hug and said “It’s time to wake up son. Soon aunt Fox will be here, and she will take care of you.” Then papa bear hugged him too and said “Your aunt will take care of you now, but remember her ways are not our ways, do not forget the songs of your ancestors. We will always be with you.”
Then bear heard someone calling from far above, so he climbed up to the cave entrance, which was also the beginning of the world, and went to meet his aunt.
“Oh my!” said Bear, “What bright red fur you have.
