Bear in the Bed
Last night I dreamed there was a bear in my bed.
As I hid underneath the covers, my body cocooned in a mess of sheets, the giant slumbering grizzly slept at my feet.
I could feel its coarse hair tickle the tips of my toes; its hot breath blew across the hairs of my leg— the smell drifting up to my nose.
My bed is not a large bed. It’s practically a cot. I could hear the creaking of the bed-frame every time the animal shifted its body – which it did a lot.
I unwedged my feet from underneath the bear and gently tapped its head. Five minutes later, with a not so gentle kick, I tried to shove the grizzly from my bed.
My attempt at knocking the bear to the floor was a miss; the animal, now awakened, gave my toes a gentle kiss.
The bear, believing I was in the mood to play, climbed up to the front of the bed, where my head lay.
I opened one eye and saw the bear’s giant head looming over my face, in her mouth an unearthed squeak toy was firmly in place.
“Woof,” the bear spoke, dropping the toy onto my head with a wet plunk. Drool covered the plastic plaything, coating my face with a sloppy spunk.
“No,” I said, giving the bear a lazy push with my outstretched hand. “I’m trying to sleep. What don’t you understand?”
The bear dropped onto its belly next to my face. Gently, it picked up its toy and put it back in place.
When I did not respond, the bear clamped down with its gigantic teeth, the toy letting out a shrill cry, shrieking and squeaking its peace.
As the sound echoed throughout the room, I pulled the pillow over my head, hoping the bear would get the message soon.
I tried to ignore the bear, pay her no heed, but on and on the noise went, leaving me hopelessly peeved.
When I decided that I could no longer stand the sound of the bear at play, I gave in. Facing the bear, I stared deep into its bear eyes and scratched the soft spot under its bear chin.
“Woof,” the bear replied, dropping its toy and closing its eyes. She was content with the attention she was now supplied.
With a lazy plop, the bear fell on its side, landing on top of me. As I adjusted myself under my new bear blanket, I could barely breathe.
I could feel the soft fur of my best friend’s hair. Last night I slept underneath my dog, dreaming of a bear.
