Mother Bear

A 500 word flash fiction for a competition following the prompt 'unusual companionship'. I didn't place, but proud of myself for trying. 

The uneven terrain starts to radiate heat compared to the decreasing temperature of the air. Theo’s shoes scuff the dirt due to his limbs filling with uneasiness as the trees’ shadows deepen. He is unaware of the time, no clock on the microwave to inform him. When does the position of the Sun equate to bedtime, when his mother promised they would be reunited. As night approaches, he starts to lose the questions of when the bear behind him will transform him into a meal.

    It is hard to identify the Sun from the foliage of the trees. The lights edge disappearing beneath the ground. Theo is ready for his mother’s figure to become present. However, he starts to rethink if there was any fresh blood on the vicious monsters’ mouths. Could his mother’s flesh persuaded them away from the fight? Were their stomachs not hungry enough?

    From when growls grew from his sides hours ago. A handful of foxes… coyotes, wolves, large threatening dogs approached. His veins tightened as their shoulders shifted beneath their fur. The realisation that he was a peace offering between animals occurred as the bear’s pressure on his back increased. Snarls intensified and multiple dogs conjured around the boy. Their bodies worked as one. The bear mouthed sounds, the only noise escaping being that of its teeth hitting each other. 

    For the first time since they have been united, the bear’s weight shifted. Head dipping down, as if to bow, before front paws bounce off the dry land. Hind legs carry the weight, the power. Nose raised high, claws extended, not for the purpose of a good climb. Swollen gums, the spot of missing teeth in view. Before Theo could have unclenched his arms a deep gurgle started in the pit of the bear’s stomach, reaching its throat. A deep, low ‘arhhhh’ penetrated the dogs’ ears as the bear settled back onto all fours. The popping of the bear’s jaw returned and without breaking eye contact the dogs, maybe large cats, slowly took a step back. The bear readjusts its position regarding Theo. Not looking at him but instead at the large cats. 

    After protecting him from the multiplying beasts, the bear isn’t a threat anymore. He feels as though the bear senses his worry regarding his mother’s safety. Picking up on him scanning the area. Feet lingering longer between steps. The bear’s damp snout nudges his belt, on the second push Theo’s balance wavers. Leaves and dried pine ricochet off the lonely bark. The bear pushes Theo again, as if he were an empty trolley, his body eventually curling around his feet. He doesn’t have the energy to return to standing. He followed his mothers order, following the Sun. Tears start to wet the dirt since their kiss goodbye, the bear’s body wraps around Theo, protecting him from the threat of falling pine and leaves. Offering warmth as darkness infringes.