The Bear in the Forest (Written by Koharu Kirino)

Deep in a certain mountain.
A little bear cub came out of its den.

The trees and flowers all seemed happy.
The air was warm, too,
and it gently wrapped around the cub.

I'm still sleepy.
Why is that?

Mother Bear said,

That is because...

The breeze sounds like a lullaby.
Listen, it goes 'hyuririra'.

The cub closed its eyes.
It's so soothing.

You've left the Kirigamine running, haven't you?
Mr. North Wind, are your finances okay?

Cub
Kirigamine?

Did they mix sleeping pills into the pollen?
It's the work of the squirrels over the hill.

Cub
...Mother?

Politicians' speeches have been so long lately!
When they say 'Make the forest richer!', I want them to be specific!
What are we going to do about the consumption tax!!

Cub
Mother!

Oh,
I'm sorry.
It's alright, my dear.

Cub
...Mother, you're scary.
Can I go back to sleep?

Mother Bear held out a mug.

No.
Spring is the season to wake up.

The cub took a sip, slurping it up.

'It's bitter and sweet.
What is this?'

A Frappuccino.
If you stay half-asleep,
you'll end up like Pooh, no, a loafer.

The cub took another sip.

Mother, I feel like I can drink this.
I've started wanting all sorts of things!

I see...
Then, let's head down from the forest.

Deep in the forest, the wind whistled, 'hyuririra'.

(504 characters)

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