The Bear

Karen could still smell the aroma of burning logs as she lay next to Jeff inside the camper, thinking about the day she’d spent with her new husband. They’d arrived at Bear Head Lake State Park at 10:00 a.m. They were in the northeast corner of the park, as far away from everybody as they could possibly be, so they’d have some privacy. First, they took a canoe trip along the lake shore. The lake was tranquil and pristine, being practically deserted. Tonight as they roasted hot dogs and toasted marshmallows over the fire, they’d talked about their future. They’d even made a toast to each other with some of the leftover champagne from their wedding. It was such a happy day to be sure and . . .

What was that? Karen thought, as she sharply drew in a breath and held it. She thought she heard a noise outside. There it is again! She began to shake her husband and whispered loudly to him, “Jeff. Wake up. I heard a noise.”

“What? Okay.” Forgetting he was in the trailer, he stood straight up and bumped his head on the ceiling. “Ouch!”

“Honey? What if it’s a bear?” Karen worried.

“It’s not a bear.”

“What if it is?”

“Ssh. Be quiet,” he whispered. He put on his slippers and picked up the baseball bat and headed for the door.

“Don’t get mauled by a bear,” Karen whispered loudly.

He looked at her and shook his head as he headed out the door.

When he came back a few minutes later, Karen was cowering underneath the covers.

“You can come out now, Karen. I’ve taken care of the problem.”

“You did?” She slowly peeked above the blankets.

“Yep.”

In his hands he held a little black kitten.