The Harsh Realities of Nature

The Harsh Realities of Nature

"If they sleep in your bed, they can harm you. Do you understand?"

 

"Okay, Pappa, but can they play in there with me?"

 

"If we know about it, they might be able to play in your room."

 

The baby cried, drawing everyone's attention. Mamma stood before she settled into the rocking chair. Pappa cradled the baby gently in her arms. Pappa, Janet, and the cubs headed outside. They walked to the river.

 

The cubs splashed in the river and tried to catch fish while Pappa and Janet cast their lines nearby. Pappa and Janet caught six fish, the golden number for lunch and dinner, while the bears caught many. The cubs played outdoors while Pappa chopped wood, then he headed inside to prepare lunch. Pappa entered the room, prepared lunch, and gently lifted the baby from Momma's arms.

 

"Let's give our little man a name; what do you think?"

 

"Have you considered any names that you like?" Momma said.

 

"Yes, I like Franklin and William."

 

"I like either of those names, so choose which fits him best and use the other for his second name." Momma smiled, even though her bottom throbbed from all the pushing, leaving her with a cluster of hemorrhoids, swollen breasts, and exhaustion that never seemed to fade, along with an unending hunger.

 

After lunch, Janet and Pappa went to the berry patch to gather a bounty of berries for a pie and the cubs. Pappa balanced the berries for the cubs on his hips. As they returned to the cabin, they spotted moose tracks and saw the moose. Pappa turned to Janet and instructed her to position herself behind him. Urging her to follow the trails leading back to the house. Pappa placed the berries on the ground behind him.

 

The moose fixed its gaze on him, unblinking and still, leaving him to wonder what it might do next. Pappa surveyed the area for a tree. He needed to reach the tree so the moose could not get him. Pappa remembered that moose rarely chased, and if they did, they wouldn't pursue for long. Pappa knew that if running became impossible, he should take cover behind something sturdy, like a tree. He witnessed a moose charge at him and his brother, resulting in his brother's death. If the moose knocks him down, he knows his only option is to curl up in a ball, protect his head with his arms, and remain still.

 

The massive moose lowered its majestic head, nostrils flaring as it fixed its gaze on Pappa. Anxiety surged through Pappa like a mighty wave that showed in sweat as his back was soaked. What actions should he take regarding this creature? Pappa took a deep breath, attempting to calm his racing heart and think. The moose stood its ground, a clear sign it was preparing to charge. Pappa briefly imagined the moose stomping and kicking as it lunged forward in defence. He quickly assessed its body language.

 

Most moose charges are bluffs—a display to send a warning, establish dominance, and keep intruders at bay. However, if this moose decided to charge, he understood he wouldn’t linger to discover if it was a genuine threat. His instincts surged to life as he scanned the area, searching for something solid to shield him. Standing tall and sturdy, a nearby tree caught his eye, beckoning him to take refuge behind it.

 

Pappa fixed his gaze on the towering figure standing before him. The long hairs on the moose’s hump bristled, a warning flag. Its ears pinned back against its skull, and its tongue flicked across its lips as he noticed the creature's at-attention posture. The beast charged, and Pappa sensed the danger surrounding him. He backed away.

 

As Pappa stepped backward, the moose charged forward. The deep snow hindered its movements, yet Pappa sensed the pressing need to flee. The moose kicked its front hooves forward with a powerful thrust, sending snowflakes flying. He sprinted toward the nearest tree, confident the moose wouldn’t chase him too far; he could easily manoeuvre around the trunk quicker than the beast could follow.

 

Pappa waited, his heart pounding in his ears until the aggressive animal left the area. A sudden thought of Janet struck him. He had sent Janet to follow the faint footsteps imprinted in the pristine snow in search of home. He sprinted back to the cabin, sweat streaming down his brow, forming tiny icicles that clung to his beard and moustache.

 

Pappa arrived home. Janet opened the door to find Pappa standing there and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"Pappa, you said you were coming right behind me. Where were you all this time?" she asked, concern laced her voice. His breath showed with every exhale in a white plume.

 

“It’s a long story, kiddo. The important thing is that you listened to your Pappa and made it home safely. You can join me next time I go out if you’d like," he said, ruffling her hair.

 

Janet beamed as she spun around in delight; her grin illuminated her face.

 

"Tomorrow, let's head to the river with the cubs!" Pappa proposed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

 

"That’s perfect! Do we have a name yet for our baby brother?" Momma chimed in, her voice radiating warmth and maternal love.

 

“William Franklin Sorento. It's quite a distinguished name, wouldn't you agree?” Pappa tipped his head in response.

 

“What about me?” Janet inquired; her curiosity ignited.

 

“Your name is Janet Willa Sorento,” Momma said, smiling.

 

The family shared a hearty supper. Momma and Pappa tucked the children into bed, ensuring they were comfortable. Then they settled down with cups of steaming tea when scratching began at the door.

 

"Those cubs drained our berry supply." Pappa shook his head. Exasperated, he glanced at Momma and remarked,

 

"These cubs have to start helping around here," Pappa said.

 

"They're eating us out of house and home."

 

“I agree. They'll wander off when they're ready,” Momma said, her voice soft yet firm.

 

“Okay. But I'll give them a week,” Pappa said.

 

Happy with their talk, the couple opened their door to the brisk night air, allowing it and the cubs to rush in, snuggle close, and stay warm.

 

The family prepared for a picnic lunch by the river the following morning. Excitement bubbled within them, so they packed their homemade chairs and set off. Nature buzzed with energy as bears fished, deer grazed, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant birds darted to the water’s edge for a refreshing drink or a fish.

Two moose emerged from the treeline, keeping to themselves at the far end of the river. Pappa's instincts fired, and a twinge of unease gripped him. He watched the moose creep closer while other animals were done their feeding.

 

“Momma, take William and Janet back to the cabin. When I say ‘Run,' you sprint toward the tree line and get a trunk between you and the moose. Janet? Honey? Pappa instructed, the tension palpable.

 

Momma nodded, her eyes wide with concern as she sensed the unease radiating from Pappa. Worry meshed with his voice as she listened; they stood exposed in the open while the moose pinned their ears back and curled their lips.

 

The pressure building in Pappa's head, an overwhelming sensation that threatened to burst forth; he recognized the urgency to act. Instead of fleeing, he shouted at Momma and Janet to “Run.” Then he dropped to the ground, curling into a protective ball, his arms shielding his head.

 

Chaos ensued all around him. He heard a succession of growls and snarls mingled with the terrifying clatter of claws scraping against the moose's hides and racks. The din grew louder, each sound punctuated by the sickening smack of hide colliding with bone or nails.

 

He saw a moose collapse with a final, mournful groan from his vantage point while the other struggled fiercely against its opponent. The struggle stretched on, seeming to last an eternity. Meanwhile, Janet and Momma stayed sheltered, their eyes fixed on the brutality unfolding before them.

 

Nature's harsh realities unfolded as the moose's intimidating rack gored two beloved bear cubs—one lay lifeless on the snowy ground, entwined with the fallen moose.

 

Pappa got his winch and hung the meat in his shed, letting the blood drain. After three days, he skillfully carved the moose and bear meat. He packed the pieces tightly with salt, ensuring they would sustain the family through the harsh winters. He felt the immense pressure, lift off his shoulders, of needing to hunt and leave his family for extended periods lifted from his shoulders.

 

William drifted into sleep. Their hands moved carefully as they scrubbed the blood away, determined to prevent any scent that might lure coyotes or wolves. Janet was in bed when they sat for a cup of tea.

 

The bear cubs lived and remained with the family for years, bringing joy and responsibility to their lives. Momma and Pappa died in the same year, leaving William and Janet to cherish their memories in the cabin that was their home.

 

Janet attended university and graduated with honours in agricultural science. William followed suit, and she hoped to achieve great things. The last time she saw him was when he left for college.

She pondered his fate. She wondered if he had found a partner or accepted a prestigious research position. Did he choose to remain because of love or ambition for a career?

 

Yet none of that mattered now; she stood alone in the vast wilderness they had once shared. A stranger arrived at the cabin, bringing solemn news of William’s passing. He was her last living relative.

 

She looked around the cabin, filled with memories and a lifetime of moments, turned, walked out, and locked the door behind her. She told her bears where she was going and that she would be back. Then she went with the man into the city.