Journey In The Wild

4

You can't sleep?

I spring to my feet as soon as I hear Mama's voice.

I nod grimly and force myself to calm my racing heart.

Mama stalks over and kneels beside me, What's on your mind?

I give Mama a flat smile.

Mama groans. This is going to be hard if you can't talk. Ugh, so, is it the Papa?

I shake my tiny head.

The rabbit? Mama guessed.

I hesitate a little, wondering if I should tell Mama that I fear my power.

Then I nod.

To my surprise, she didn't growl at me. Instead, Mama puts her head on mine, as if to reassure me that everything is going to be okay.

Bears all go through this. Even me, your father, your ancestors, and your siblings in the future. Everyone will have this period. The thing is, killing always feels wrong, and sometimes fear is good, you won't do foolish actions. But too much fear prevents us to live.

I must have looked confused, because Mama added, Tell me, if you don't eat, will you survive?

I shake my head.

Exactly, this is why most bears eat berries if there are any. But sometimes, surviving just isn't enough. We need to enjoy, to live a good life because someday, we know we won't last forever. You'll be alone.

Mama sighs.

I always find myself telling you deep feelings for some reason. It's like you affect me, Puryl.

She smiles at me, and I smile back.

Sometimes I like feeling special and different.

But right now, I'm tired.

I yawned.

Mama stands up, Well, you better sleep now, Puryl, good night darling.

I swear Mama said unique when she walked out of my cave.

But I was too sleepy to care.

And that night was the first night I actually slept.

Wake up, sleepybee!

It took me a second to realize that the voice wasn't part of my dream filled with moving constellations of Ursa Major and Minor.

I blink as the world grows clearer, and I see Papa hovering over me with Daryl and Beryl playing with each other at the entrance of my cave.

You've slept 'till moon, lazybunny, Papa said. We can't wait for you forever to start hunting training!

Training?

The word rings in my head as I stand up and stretch my sore body.

Right. Hunting.

I trail my siblings and Papa out and as I pass Mama, I tilt my snout, trying to ask if she is coming with us.

Mama shakes her head sadly and I turn my eyes towards the short line leading out of the cave and into the forest.

There's going to be a lot of blood.

I want Mama.

But it's time to be brave and listen to her speech from last night.

I'm going to get double my amount to give it to Mama.

I got to.

Prove everyone that I'm worth something.

Prove my siblings.

Papa.

And mostly...

Mama.