Barnaby tugs at his father’s thick fur. He tries to pull him toward the open den entrance.
The old bear stands firm. His nose twitches as he smells rain on the pine needles.
Barnaby climbs onto a mossy log and jumps down. He hopes the thump will make Dad move.
A squirrel chatters loudly from above. Dry leaves scatter and stick to Barnaby’s wet nose.
Barnaby grabs a shiny blue berry. He holds it out like a treasure map for his dad.
His father finally smiles. He takes the berry gently while brushing a leaf off Barnaby’s ear.
A sudden gust blows the den’s moss roof loose. It reveals a starry sky above.
Barnaby gasps. His eyes go wide as cold air tickles his whiskers.
They curl together under the heavy blanket of pine boughs. Safe and warm inside.
The scent of damp earth fills their noses. Barnaby snuggles deeper, closing his eyes.
