Team Ahimsa Blog Relay, Various Contests

Rescue Mission

He tiptoed downstairs, and shuffled his way to the front door. He knew the front door squeaked unless opened just so, and he was filled with relief at managing the manoeuvre. He slunk outside, slipping the 'welcome' mat as a wedge so that the door didn't slam shut.

It was dark outside. He could just see by the light of the single streetlamp across the road. He sneaked over to the garbage can.

It was then that the voice spoke. “You are being watched.”

He froze. He wasn't even breathing. “You are being watched.”

"Who?" he managed to gasp.

"Me."

He turned quickly.

It was a bear.

A real, live bear. His fourth grade teacher had told him that this wasn't bear country. It couldn't be a bear. But it was a bear.

"What?"

"We look out for our own, we bears. We know your Mom threw your teddy bear today. We were going to rescue it from the garbage can ourselves."

"You don't need to, I'm going to rescue teddy and give him a bath and keep him forever."

"That's lovely."

"Teddy is my friend, even if Mom says he's old and torn and of no use. Friends are always of use."

"Yes, they are. And from now on, you're a Bear-Friend. The bears will always look out for you."

The bear remained at the back of the toy cupboard till the child passed it on to his own son ...


All Words: 241
Winner, "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"