The Lion and the Bear

It was early in the morning when Bear’s stomach started to growl. Bear wasn’t like most bears. He was lazy. But he always listened to his stomach. Bear rolled over out of his rock bed and walked out of his cave. There was a river close by where Bear always got his food. It was a short distance so Bear wouldn’t have to walk far. 

Lion, startled, woke with a roar. He hated being disturbed during his beauty sleep with water. As a matter of fact, he didn’t like to be woken up at all. Of course, that’s the life for a father with three cubs. 

“All right, let me guess, you three are hungry?” Said Lion. The cubs knowing what was coming started towards the cave opening. 

“And where might your mother be?” Asked Lion. The cubs turned their heads towards a corner where Mother Lion was fast asleep. Lion didn’t even have to ask. He already knew. Mother Lion was a heavy sleeper and Lion was not. Therefore, it was easier to wake up Lion. Lion walked towards the cave entrance along with the three cubs close behind. Lion turned around just two feet away from the cave. 

“Now, you know you three have to stay with your mother, while I go to get some food.”

The three cubs looked at their father with sad puppy dog eyes. But it never worked because when Lion said something, he stuck to it. So the three cubs sadly went back into the cave with Mother Lion. By then she had awoken. 

Bear had reached the river, and was standing just before the waterfall with his mouth open. He had already caught and ate four fish.

Lion had reached the river now, and before he stepped in. he saw a bear just before the waterfall with his mouth open, hogging all the fish. If he keeps this up, I’ll never get any fish. 

Bear turned his head and saw a lion approaching. Oh no, he’s not going to get MY fish! 

“Excuse me, Mr. Bear but I would like some fish too.” Said Lion as politely as he could. 

“Well I’m sorry, but I was here first so you’ll just have to wait.” Said Bear grumpily. 

Obviously, this bear isn’t the reasoning type. Thought Lion.

“How about we share?” Asked Lion. Bear ignored the lion and went on catching fish. Lion lost his patience and walked over to where Bear was standing. Just as Bear was going to catch a fish, Lion caught it instead. “Hey!” Roared Bear. 

Lion quickly gobbled up the fish.

“I thought I told you I was here first!” Said Bear. 

“You shouldn’t hog all the fish.” Said Lion. Just then a fish came up. Lion and Bear leaped for it at the same time, but instead of catching the fish, they bumped heads. “Ow!” They both cried. The fish made it safely down the waterfall. “Now look what you did!” Cried Bear. 

“If you hadn’t been so stubborn and selfish, this would have never happened.” Said Lion. 

Bear roared. He was now in attack mode. Lion did the same. They were now circling each other. Lion made the first move, and launched towards Bear. But Bear stepped aside-causing Lion to fall into the river, but not before he grabbed Bear’s tail sending him down with Lion. Bear grabbed a nearby rock and held on for dear life. Lion dug his claws into Bear’s back and began to climb up. He offered Bear a paw when he was safely back on land, but Bear tried to bite it. Bear lost his grip and was swept away into the waterfall.