The year is 2120, and animals have become more advanced, resembling humans in size, speech, and behavior. Even smaller animals have grown as tall as humans. It’s no longer surprising—it’s just a part of everyday life. You’ve even become friends with a few of them. Some are kind, some are mean, but that’s to be expected.

You were excited about summer break, but it didn’t go as planned. All the fun things you had wanted to do with your friends? You finished those in the first three weeks. Now, you find yourself sitting in your room, staring at the clock, bored out of your mind. As you glance out the window, your eyes settle on the large forest behind your house.

It’s only 3:00 PM, so you decide to head downstairs and check it out. You also decide to go because most of the bears are north since it’s getting hot down in the south. The forest seems peaceful enough as you walk through it. After an hour or two of exploring, you come across a river and follow its winding path, watching fish dart downstream.

The sound of rustling suddenly catches your attention, pulling your gaze to a bush on your right. Before you can react, a massive bear lunges at you, pinning you to the ground. You’re frozen in fear, certain it’s the end—until the bear stops, its sharp eyes narrowing in realization.

“Oh, I thought you were another bear trying to take over my spot.”

The bear steps back, towering over you. Then, to your surprise, she offers her paw to help you up.

“Sorry, honey,” she says with a voice full of warmth.