Mourning

The next morning Ren had woken up holding his mother's cold dead hand instantly he jerked it away then realized it was his mother's hand and the heaviness and tears overwhelmed him in an instant.

Ren thought about just laying there all day and cry until he could cry no more. Then a voice in his head whispered get up so Ren got up and started to assess the situation. First I need to dig three graves and then get my family buried.

Even though my mother had a small frame it was still to hard and she was too heavy for little Ren to pick up or even drag her lifeless body to the grave site he wanted he wanted his parents to be buried on a hill so they can watch the river and the creek and the farm Ren had called home for most of his life.

I need help he whispered to himself. An old farmer lived about 4 miles from the family farm maybe he can help me.

The trek there almost uneventful at most Ren just had to follow the creek for a couple miles and boom he was there. Ren hadn't eaten since breakfast yesterday morning but hunger never bothered him he could find wild berries almost anywhere following the creek and he had plenty of water from it.

Ren was right almost 2 miles into his journey he came across a giant berry bush he instantly ran to it and started jamming berries into his mouth and washing it down with cool mountain water. He didn't notice on the other side what was going until he almost had his fill.

On the other side of the bush was a small bear cub doing the same.

Ren sat down and let out a giant belch.

Then he laid down and started to stare at the clouds thinking of his parents and the good times they had. In the middle of one of his memories was suddenly interrupted by a giant belch. What the hell was that Ren thought.

As Ren peeked around the bush he almost crapped his pants as he saw the baby bear laying on his back soaking in the sun and staring at the clouds. Ren thought it would be better to not disturb the bear. Mama could be just around the corner that's when baby bear turned its head and saw Ren. Baby bear then let out a Yelp and a fart at the same time. Ren didn't know whether to run or laugh at the little guy . Then reality hit and Ren ran passed the cub and towards the old mans farm. No mama bear was following him so Ren was happy and only a couple miles to go.

Every once in awhile Ren could hear rustling in the bushes behind him as he turned to look Ren couldn't see anything around. So Ren just continued on his way.

As Ren neared the old farmer's home he can hear yelling coming from a barn near the edge of the property Ren was yelling hello and a plump little old man peeked his head around the corner and greeted Ren with the warmest of smiles. Hello Ren replied I am Ren I live down the road from you. My father is Peter and my mother is Sarah do know them. Ren asked?

Of course I know them they are a lovely couple.

A couple of years ago they helped me tend to my fields do to me being sick for 2 months.

You know it's hard to get well when you're old sonny. So dont get old then the farmer started laughing.

Then Ren started crying and said my parents were murdered yesterday I need help to bury them on the hill near the farm Ren exclaimed.

The old farmer's smile faded and tears welled up in his eyes. How, who did a monstrous thing to such a loving couple.

I think it was the SS Ren exclaimed I saw their uniforms and vehicle as I hid like a coward.

Ren after saying this broke down again and sobbing so hard it was hard to breathe.

Calm down sonny you know your going to pass out if you don't calm yourself down.

I know but it's so hard not to cry Ren said softly.

A the kind old man grabbed Ren and give him a bear hug without even realizing the immense pressure he was putting on Ren's little body.

Ren soaked in the warmth and love that this old man was giving that he was slowly blacking out.

As the light was fading Ren looked at the old man and couldn't speak but made a little squeak.

Just as the old man realized he was squeezing the life out of Ren he let go and Ren fell to the ground in a heap.

Waking up in the old mans house was frightening where am I Ren thought, just as a big old dog came bounding in the room to give Ren much overdue doggy kisses the old man told the dog not to wake him up. And like the dog understood what his master had said. When there was movement the dog couldn't contain himself and jumped on Ren and started giving him kisses.

Down Bear the old man yelled from across the house as the old man had prepared some lunch for Ren. You must be starving sonny as the farmer came into the room with a tray of food and sweet rolls. Oh yes sir Ren replied he immediately dug in. As the farmer left to clean the kitchen bear was staring at Ren very intently Ren then gave the pooch a little of the sausage that he was eating.

After gulping down the sausage bear gave him a kiss and took off towards the kitchen to beg from his master.

As Ren looked around the room he realized it was set up for a girl, all the girly things of 30 years ago pink doilies mostly but you could tell it was a girls room. Creepy looking ceramic dolls and a Russian Matryoshka doll.

Other that the room was free from dust and spiderwebs very tidy Ren thought.

the old farmer came in and formerly introduced himself as John. As Ren and John talked Ren could feel the kindness emanating from John.

He felt good to be with such a great man.

After Ren finished his meal John cleaned up the plates and tray and went to the kitchen. In comes happy dog for some more kisses after bear settled down Ren and bear fell asleep on the bed together.