Bearclaw Valley matthew died in this house

beyond merrick's wildest dreams, the bear spoke, offering hope. offering support. he could not believe what he was hearing — with an open almost-shyness that defied instinct, merrick stole closer on hesitant paws.
so very massive; so very unassuming. a bear in a valley of bears.
his mouth had gone dry.
"i want — i need —"
lips quivered. 
"— my mother."
indra caiaphas indra caiaphas; he swallowed another sob and stared up into the soft searching face of the ursine.