#6. The Bear...Epilogue

Tears streamed down my face as I made my way towards the abandoned campsite. I stumbled ahead blindly, tripping over obstacles buried beneath the snow. Despite my heavy heart, the snow-covered landscape offered a starkly breathtaking majesty, fresh snow covered everything, and the sun shone prismatic between my tears and the leafless branches of the trees.

Theadore had been a good friend, he had carved a heart on the tree where Rolf was buried. Despite my weakened state, I was determined to get there as quickly as possible, the weather was very unpredictable.

After three days, I finally arrived and found the tree. My friend had laid him to rest some distance from a quiet stream where the ground was hard enough but not frozen. Stones had been piled on top of the spot along with the remains of a crude shovel as a marker, I was grateful for that.

Thankfully the cold had preserved Rolf's body. I wrapped him gently in a huge coat of hide, held his body while rocking back and forth in agony, and laid him to rest by that stream. I spent the night under a makeshift tent, hunger gnawing at my chest.

I made my way to the Indian Reservation nearby, they knew me well. I stayed with them, never returning to my people. I was close enough to visit Rolf when I needed to.

I found warmth and love again among these kind people who respected the land. Time slowly healed the pain.