Sharing the Load

Peter pulled a blanket from his bag, wrapping two of the pups securely against his chest. Steve did the same, cradling another pair in his jacket. That left the smallest one, too fragile to carry loosely. Hana hesitated, then turned to the bear, who stepped forward without prompting, as if she understood.

“I think she wants to help,” Hana said. Slowly, she lifted the runt and held it toward the bear’s open mouth. The animal accepted the pup gently, its massive jaws closing protectively without pressure. Steve shook his head in amazement. “She trusts you,” he said. “She really, truly trusts you.”