Elsa and the Bear

Elsa ran out of the cave. Her chest heaving and her legs pumping with all of her might, she shielded her eyes with her arm as the bright sun exploded around her. Never again did she want the darkness to trick her into thinking it was more suited to her than the warmth and glow of the sun.

Her long brown hair whipped around her face as she turned back to check on the distance between her and the cave. Feeling safe that its black tendrils couldn't reach her, she slowed her pace and caught her breath. Elsa promised herself she would never have to feel those rough chalky arms around her shoulders again. She shivered remembering how black ragged pieces would break off and cut her flesh as the tendril wrapped around her forcing her closer.

Up ahead was the golden field where all of her favorite flowers bloomed. Lilac bushes full of heavy creamy purple blooms decorated the air with their perfume and tickled the inside of her nose. Poppies danced their orange delight as their flower heads waved in the soft breeze. The tall irises boasted their glorious pageantry, visually pleasing. The tiny Forget-Me-Nots and Pansies played patty-cake choosing to stay close to the earth.

Elsa found a spot in the tall soft vividly green grass and plopped down. It was warm, but not hot. The sun, high in the sky, winked at her. "Rest now, Elsa. It is a beautiful summer's day. The grass is your bed. The chipmunks and squirrels your lookouts, tirelessly watchful. Do you see how the birds fly? Can you hear their song? They are singing you a lullaby. Rest and be at peace."

So tired, Elsa looked down at the scars the darkness had left on her arms. All she wanted to do was rest and forget. She looked back up at the sun, who smiled back down on her. Looking around at the flowers dancing and playing, bending to the gentle winds, her eyes grew very heavy. Her body and mind ached with the need to sleep. As she reclined, the grass became her mattress and the earth her floor, their distinct odors hopscotching around her, depending on the wind's direction.

She could still see the light through the lids of her closed eyes. Opening and closing her fingers, Elsa felt the grass. The beating of Elsa's heart slowed to an even pace and soon she was asleep.

A big black bear came by and placed a basket of berries at her feet. His brown muzzle contrasted with his thick dark luxurious coat. He lied down next to her; he would wait for her to awaken. Elsa, like most of us do, turned in her sleep and bumped into the bear. He stayed still while she nuzzled into him, the brown of her hair the same shade as the bear's snout.

The sun drifted lazily in the sky. Sensing the change in time, Elsa awoke. Opening her eyes, she saw darkness and panicked. Was she back in the cave? No, she couldn't be. Soft and big. What was lying next to her blocking out the sun's direct rays? Pushing against the bear's large belly, she sat up. The bear, not wanting to frighten her, did not move. He only smiled and said, "Hello."

"Hello," Elsa answered. Then, feeling impolite, she introduced herself. "I'm Elsa. Who are you?"

"I am Bear."

"Just 'Bear'?"

"Yes."

"Hello, Bear."

He smiled again and sat up. Instead of his big body frightening her, she felt good. Protected.

Pointing to the basket of berries, he said, "I brought you some berries. I thought you might be hungry and thirsty."

Delicately, Elsa picked up one berry. Popping it into her mouth, she chewed and swallowed. "You are a wonderful berry picker, Bear. This is delicious."

Nodding, he answered, "Thank you. Please eat as many as you would like."

So she did. She also was thinking that she and Bear should be friends. "Would you like to be my friend," she asked.

"That's why I am here, Elsa. To be your friend and for you to be mine."

Elsa, her tummy full, stood up. So did Bear. He was tall! She took his paws in her hands and they looked into each other's eyes. Love filled their hearts.  He asked her, "Are you ready now?"

Elsa said, "Yes." His left paw holding her right hand, they started walking. Elsa, needing to make sure, turned her head back one more time looking for the cave. She couldn't see it. Bear, understanding, patiently waited. Only a few seconds had passed when Elsa cleared her throat and looked up to Bear. "I'm ready."