She had spent the whole day waiting by the mesh for the flat-faces to return. I have to show them that I’m friendly! I wasn’t trying to attack them! But the flat-faces never came. “Don’t get your hopes up,” Taktuq advised her, a hint of amusement in his voice. “The flat-faces will let you out when they’re ready. Besides, you’re safe and well fed here. What’s your problem?” Lusa sprang to her paws and faced the old bear. “It’s all wrong!” she snarled. “Bears should be wild.” “In the wild, I would be dead by now,” Taktuq pointed out quietly. Lusa glared at him for a moment longer, then relaxed, letting out a sigh. “I know, I’m sorry,” she said. “But this life isn’t for me.” Taktuq shook his head, baffled. “I’ll never understand what’s so wonderful about living in the wild.” Lusa drew in her breath for a hot protest. “Okay, okay,” Taktuq added quickly. “I know I’m never going to change your mind.” As the sun went down, Lusa heard movement from inside the den and picked up the scent of fruit drifting toward her.
