The grumpy brown bear stomped through the dappled forest. He growled at a fluttering leaf.
A tiny yellow chick tumbled from a branch and landed at his feet. The bear paused and looked down. He let out a soft grunt.
He lifted a huge paw to gently nudge the chick back toward the tree. The chick dodged and pecked his claw. It refused to leave.
A sudden wind swept autumn leaves across the forest floor. The chick was blown toward the rushing stream. The bear dove and scooped it onto his back.
He ran along the rocky stream bank, claws skittering on wet stones. The chick clung to his thick fur. The bear did not stop until he reached dry ground.
The bear dragged a hollow log through the undergrowth. He pushed it into a quiet clearing near the stream.
He filled the log with soft moss, patting it down with his paws. The chick climbed inside and nuzzled his fur. It let out a contented purr-chirp.
The next morning, the bear woke to find the chick waiting nearby. A small blue feather lay on the moss at his feet.
The bear picked up a plump blackberry and offered it to the chick. The chick swallowed it happily and chirped again.
The bear watched the chick finish the blackberry. He let out a low rumble that was almost a purr.