Page 13 of Blacktail

“No?”

“I was listening closely.”

“Sorry,” Apple said. “My bad. Yes. There were bears as well. Four that I’m sure of. Possibly others.”

The bear pondered this for a moment. “But not—”

“Yes. Grizzlies.” Apple paused. “Grizzlies not unlike yourself, come to think of it. Perhaps a tad larger.”

“So you’re saying that one over there”—the bear glanced at Blacktail’s den—“killed all of them?”

“Yes.”

“And he did this by himself? Alone?”

“Yes.”

“I see.” The bear stared at him. “Wolves are pack hunters, you know.”

Apple flicked one tiny paw over the other, brushing away something small and insignificant. “If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to ask the other bears.”

“Hmm.”

“Would you like to meet him? I can introduce the two of you if you like.”

“You two know each other?”

“We’re acquainted,” Apple said. “He’s tried to eat me a couple of times.”

“Ah.”

Apple got down on all fours and set off uphill, toward the den. The bear didn’t move. After a few steps Apple stopped, looked back over his shoulder. “You coming?”

“Ah…” The bear looked over his shoulder, back the way he had come. “Not today. I’m getting a tad…um…”

“Sleepy?” Apple suggested.

“Yes,” the bear said. “That’s exactly it.”

“Very wise,” Apple said. “You’ve got to stay rested if you want to keep your health. How about tomorrow?”

“Can’t tomorrow,” the bear said. “I’m busy.”

“Well…perhaps another time, then.”

“Yes. Perhaps.”

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you,” Apple said. “Swing by anytime!”

“I’ll be sure to.” The bear turned and began to make his way down the hill.

—

Blacktail waited until the bear was well out of sight. Then he waited a bit longer. Then a bit longer still. When he was fairly sure that he and Apple were alone, he poked his head out of the den.

Apple was waiting for him on an old, dry branch, regarding a wild blueberry. When he saw Blacktail, he gave it a thoughtful nibble.

“How is it?” Blacktail said.