Bruno, the Keeper of the Woods

Bruno was a bear that everyone in the forest loved, and they loved him for one simple reason: he had a good and gentle heart. Whenever a creature was in trouble, big or small, Bruno was already on his way. He simply couldn't walk past someone who needed help.

One golden autumn day, while Bruno was ambling along and gathering berries, his ears caught the faintest little sound. A sniffle. A hiccup. A soft, sad sob. Bruno stood very still and listened. Somebody, it seemed, was in trouble. He followed the sound between the trees, and before long he found a little girl standing all alone, her face buried in her hands. Her shoulders trembled, and tears slipped slowly through her fingers.

“Hello there, little one,” Bruno said softly, stepping closer. “Whatever is the matter?” The girl gave a startled jump. But the voice was so warm and kind that, slowly, she lowered her hands. Her big, teary eyes met the bear's gentle gaze — and somehow, she wasn't quite so frightened anymore.

“I… I was picking flowers for my mommy,” she hiccuped, “and I wandered too far, and now I'm lost.” “Oh, sweetheart,” Bruno murmured. “And what is your name?” “Lucy,” the girl whispered, barely louder than a leaf. The bear reached out one great, gentle paw. “Don't be afraid, Lucy. Together, we'll find your way home.”

Bruno bent down low, and Lucy climbed carefully onto his broad back, holding tight to his warm, soft fur. “Hold on snug!” said the bear — and off they went, into the whispering woods.