Bearclaw Valley matthew died in this house

the boy tells jaylen he's lost someone, and if he wasn't already serious enough, his face becomes more solemn, eyes saddening upon the dark figure. the bear was a lighthearted and joyful one- but in nine years of life, one can lose much. he was not without his own experiences from youth- of losing friends, family, love. he had powered through his struggles, still maintaining a positive outlook on life. but there had been times that he had felt the same as merrick did now. 

as the boy trembled jaylen wondered if he had frightened him- feeling guilty for causing him further worry in a hard time. he hoped that his words would show the wolf that he did not intend to terrorize. "i'm so sorry. i understand how you feel. ive lived nine years and lost many, as well." he tried to empathize. "is there any way i can help you? in your time of grief," he adds, feeling a bit awkward and out of place, but still wanting to comfort the broken thing.