mama bear

chapter five

R.A.N.A. moved through the forest with a quiet determination, the thick trees parting just enough to let beams of sunlight guide her path. The deer had told her where to find the grizzly-a part of the island she had not yet explored, deeper and wilder than the rest.

As she pushed through the underbrush, the trees began to thin, and the sounds of the forest faded into a heavy stillness. Up ahead, she saw a rocky slope rising toward a jagged cliff, and near its base, she spotted what could only be the bear. The massive creature stood just outside the entrance of a collapsed cave, large rocks and debris scattered around as if something had caved in recently. The bear was watching the rubble, her powerful body tense with frustration.

R.A.N.A. approached cautiously, taking in the scene. The bear's right front leg was wounded, a deep gash visible across her thick fur, likely caused by one of the falling rocks. Blood matted her fur around the injury, but even so, she stood tall, her gaze locked on the blocked cave entrance.

"Excuse me," R.A.N.A. called softly as she approached, her voice calm and careful. "I don't mean to intrude, but... are you hurt?"

The bear turned her head slowly to face her, a deep rumble of warning vibrating in her chest. "You're the one they call R.A.N.A.," the bear growled, her tone both cautious and tired.

"Yes," R.A.N.A. said, standing still a few feet away. "I've come to help."

The bear's amber eyes flicked down to her wounded leg, then back to R.A.N.A. There was a moment of tense silence before the bear finally sighed, her large body seeming to sag just a little. "Help... You think you can fix this?" she asked, nodding toward her injured leg.

"I know I can," R.A.N.A. said confidently, taking a step closer. "If you'll let me."

The bear hesitated, her gaze hardening. "I don't need help. I can handle it."

R.A.N.A. stopped, her expression soft but unwavering. "You might not need it, but that doesn't mean you don't deserve it. I only want to help ease your pain."

The bear looked back at the collapsed cave, then down at her injured leg, clearly struggling with her pride. After a long pause, she huffed, her breath heavy and resigned. "Fine. But make it quick."

R.A.N.A. nodded and immediately set to work. She knelt beside the bear's wounded leg, careful not to startle her as she inspected the deep gash. It looked painful but not beyond healing. From the pouch she carried, R.A.N.A. took out broad leaves she had gathered earlier, knowing they had healing properties, and began gently wrapping them around the bear's leg. She used vines to secure the bandage, her movements slow and precise, ensuring the bear felt as little discomfort as possible.

To R.A.N.A.'s surprise, the bear allowed her to work without complaint, though she occasionally glanced at the cave with a mix of frustration and worry.

"How did this happen?" R.A.N.A. asked softly, not wanting to disturb the bear too much but curious about the situation.

The bear's gaze lingered on the cave. "The entrance collapsed when I was trying to move some of the rocks. That cave was my home"

R.A.N.A. glanced at the cave entrance, now completely blocked by fallen stones. "I see. I can help move the rocks from the cave in too, if you'd like."

The bear shook her head quickly. "No. I'll handle it. I don't need anyone knowing about this-especially not the other animals."

R.A.N.A. paused, tying the last vine around the makeshift bandage. "Why?"

The bear's voice grew low and guarded. "The others fear me. They see me as the strongest on this island, the one who keeps things in balance. If they know I was injured... or if they think I need help, it could change things. I need them to believe I'm unshakable."

R.A.N.A. understood. The bear's pride wasn't just about herself-it was about maintaining the fragile equilibrium on the island. If the animals sensed weakness in their protector, it could unravel the natural order.

"I won't tell anyone," R.A.N.A. promised, standing up as she finished tending the bear's leg. "Your secret is safe with me."

The bear glanced at her, a mixture of gratitude and reluctance in her eyes. "Thank you," she muttered. "But don't think this means I'm suddenly your friend."

R.A.N.A. smiled softly. "I don't expect that. I just wanted to help."

The bear tested her newly bandaged leg, flexing it a few times before nodding. "You did a good job. The pain's already lessened."

"I'm glad," R.A.N.A. said, stepping back to give the bear space. She glanced at the collapsed cave again. "Are you sure you don't want help with the cave? I could-"

"No," the bear interrupted, her voice firm. "I'll take care of it on my own. But... I appreciate the offer."

R.A.N.A. nodded in understanding. "If you ever need anything else, I'll be around."

The bear watched her for a moment, her expression unreadable, before turning back to the rubble. "Maybe I'll take you up on that someday."

Without another word, R.A.N.A. quietly left the bear to her thoughts, walking back toward the forest. She knew that helping the bear wouldn't change how the other animals viewed her, not right away. They still feared her, and they might never trust her fully. But that didn't matter.

She had helped someone today, and that was enough for now.

As the wind gently rustled the leaves around her, R.A.N.A. felt a sense of quiet satisfaction. She was one step closer to finding her place on this island, even if it was a slow and uncertain journey.