Silence is all we need

Hugs are all we need

Chloe was looking at the sky on a clear blue night, in deep sadness. The stars were shining down on her hair, giving off the reflection.

Unfortunately, due to her frustration, nobody at college ever understood her, or often says to her, 'oh hey, it's the prodigy girl'.

It was getting so annoying and old. Why can't they accept her, for who she was? Was it so hard to look past her brains?

She sighed as the cold wind blew in her face, which was taking effect, but, she really didn't mind. Not this time.

"I don't understand what's wrong with me. When will people actually like me, for me?" she asked, no one in particular.

"Is Chloe alright?"

That voice...... it sounded familiar. Chloe looked behind and saw who she last expected to be out this late.

It was Ice bear. Why was he here? And more importantly, why is he out, this late? Shouldn't he be with his brothers?

"Hey." Chloe waved shyly. And, as she predicted, he quietly waved back. His face may seem emotionless at the time, but if you look past it, you could see concern in his eyes. The bear walked up closer and sat down on the grassy hill, beside her.

"Ice Bear sensed something was wrong and wants to know if Chloe is alright." The polar bear monotonously asked.

Chloe scoffed, looking away, ashamed. "Ah, you don't want to hear my sob story. I'll waste your time, as I do with everyone else. So don't even bother asking."

Chloe then felt a paw under her chin as it turned her heard to Ice bear's stern yet caring, eyes.

"Ice Bear wants to listen. Tell Ice Bear, now." Since the Bear's voice was still in monotone, you could barely hear his voice being raised, but looking at his eyes, proved her enough that he indeed wanted to listen.

She sighed, shakily. Fidgeting with her fingertips.

"Well, okay.... you see, it all started when...." She began to explain her sudden breakdown. Ice Bear was listening tentatively, ears opened, his face locked with interest. Just as she finished, she felt tears glistened from her cheeks.

".......I-it's like no one understands me. I'm tired of this 'oh look, prodigy girl, she's super smart. Oh, let's be like her'. Is it so hard to just look past that and get to know the REAL me?" Chloe, who was now getting angry, throwing her hands in the air in frustration, earning a surprised look from Ice Bear.

Never before, did he see his shy, smart, girl, getting so worked up by her classmates.

It was all new to him, especially if she is this upset.

The only thing he did now, that came to mind, was wrapping a paw around the frustrated girl, pulling her in closer to his furry chest and hugged her, quietly.

Chloe complied, as if she desperately needed this, hugging her friend, back, just as tightly, tears leaking from her eyes and fell on the bear's fur, not that he minded at all. In fact, he wanted her to cry. Even if he didn't like it, Ice Bear only wanted Chloe to let out her frustration so she can feel better.

Both were now silent, but it was rather comforting, for them.

The crickets chirp deep in the night, the winds blow in their hair, or in iced bear's case, fur. And most of all....Silence. That's what they both need.

Chloe looked up from her warm embrace, keeping her head in his furry chest, looking at her quiet friend, smiling wearily. Her tears were gone and her frustration was slowly starting to dissipate, thanks to the bear hug. Just what she needed at this time.

"Heh..... I guess, a hug is what I really need, huh?" She checked for any signs of expressions from the bear, and to her delight, he smiled.

"Ice Bear agrees. hugs are what most need during difficult times. To make one's feel better." The bear's voice was still emotionless, but to Chloe, it was quite soothing, actually. It wasn't loud or boastful, or angry. It was simple..... yet so, extraordinary to hear. Though to some, it may sound crazy or weird, but to her, it was everything.

Ice bear then got up. "Ice Bear thinks it's time to go home." Before he walked way, he felt a small hand pulling his paw, gesturing the Bear to look at the girl.

"Please... can you stay with me? Just a bit longer?" Chloe pleaded.

Ice Bear would've turned down the offer, knowing he had to be back to the cave by now, but knowing Chloe needed him, he decided against it. He smiled gently, sitting down, again.

" Okay. Ice Bear will stay a bit longer. For Chloe." He said, a smile was still formed on his face.

Chloe smiled, moving closer to his side and rested her head on his shoulder, tiredly.

The bear couldn't help but admire the girl's love for him and his brothers. She was so young, so innocent, yet so bold and adventurous when it comes to hanging out with them on a daily basis.

With no hesitation, he wrapped an arm around the girl, laying his head, gently, on top of hers. Chloe nestled herself in the warm embrace. Both were looking towards the horizon, smiling softly to themselves. Especially Chloe.

She knew that sometimes, words don't need to be said, knowing it can sometimes be useless. Just as along as someone like Ice Bear is there beside her, she's happy, all the same.

And now, Chloe was thankful that Ice Bear was experience the night, with her.

".....Thank you.... Ice Bear."