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The October afternoon crept in almost unnoticed – it had been a long day's journey; the Gordon family were on a well-deserved break. James Gordon a chartered accountant had been working non-stop building up his business for the past two years. He and his wife Jane live in New Jersey with their fiveyear-old daughter Amy.

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Published by GALWAY ACADEMIC PRESS, 2019-11-25 15:27:19

Holly Bush Forest - By Dorothy Aughey

The October afternoon crept in almost unnoticed – it had been a long day's journey; the Gordon family were on a well-deserved break. James Gordon a chartered accountant had been working non-stop building up his business for the past two years. He and his wife Jane live in New Jersey with their fiveyear-old daughter Amy.

Keywords: Children's Novel

Chapter Eleven

Benji's parents were leaving their little home to go
back to the brook even though at this stage they were
not as hopeful. As they were walking Benji's dad
looked at mama bear bewildered and a little
puzzled... “can you hear that mama”? “Yes, papa
it's a commotion of some sort alright! Not sure what
to make out of it papa”! Sounds like laughter to me
mama and if I am not mistaken it's coming from the
direction of the brook”!

They both hurried as fast as it was possible towards
the brook. Getting closer they recognised their little
sons' Benji's unmistakeable laughter, a real hearty
little laugh.

Benji's mama's eyes welled up when she saw her son,
but who on earth were all the others? Oh, and was
she mistaken, was that a human? Small girl human
… my goodness she thought to herself. Benji's
parents looked at each other both thinking the same
thing – he didn't at all look unhappy or destressed in
any way – had he just strolled off – met all these new
friends and forgotten to come home! Had he
forgotten them!?

51

Benji all of a sudden stopped laughing and went
quiet, it was like as if the world had just stood still
for a brief moment. Both Benji parents and Benji
stood still and stared in disbelief, “could it be”?
Benji snapped out of his moments' relapse and ran so
fast towards his parents, yet it was like a movie in
slow motion. The rest of the gang looked on in joy
for little Benji.

Ollie: “Well I am overjoyed to see the little guy
reunited with his folk again, it would bring a tear to
your eyes .. it would”!

Castor: “I agree with you there, Ollie, it would, it’s
marvellous to see my bud Benji with his family,

52

perhaps this the start of loss and found success
stories”.

Ollie: “If we could just find Amy’s' parent's and ball
of fluff's mum, well then, we could get back to normal
and maybe I could get a decent day's sleep”!

Mist: “When will we find my mum Mr. Owl?”.

Ollie was annoyed with himself of even mentioning
Mists' mum, the little guy was way too young to be
away from his mum and he was beginning to
whimper again.

Ollie: “Shush, shush! little Mist … you will be re-
united with your mum and family again. You wait
and see … leave it to the wise old owl”.

Castor: “Emm, what about the wise old beaver, well
em the young wise beaver, just because I am young
doesn't mean I am not smart and wise Mr. eh know it
all”!

Ollie: “Now Castor I would greatly appreciate it if
you didn't take that tone with me, don't be so childish
and as for the record Castor – I think we all make a
great team. You did exceptionally well my dear
friend to construct our wonderful little boat, never

53

really had the opportunity to see a beaver at work –
fair play to you bud”.

Castor was defiantly feeling the love and respect and
whom higher could it come from only a wise owl
Castor thought to himself, well I do have a purpose
in life, I've helped my dear little pal to get home, we
will have to work hard now reuniting the other lost
little people.

While Ollie and Castor were having their little chat
Benji and his parents were in a more serious
conversation... they wanted to know where he'd been,
why had he wandered off in the first place, hadn't
they not warned him enough never to stray too far
away and yes... who were all these new friends?
Benji's Papa recognised the mischievous little
beaver, he had always been hanging around the
brook – he thought to himself... Trouble with a
capital “T”.

Benji's Dad: “What on earth are you keeping
company with that beaver? Did I not tell you before
he's just up to no good Benji and what do you do?
Do the exact opposite”.

Benji's Mum: Interrupted.... “Now, now Papa, go
easy on little Benji – isn't it good he had some

54

company and he is back to us safe and sound”.

Benji's Dad: “No Mama, I take great offence the he
should be keeping company with that, that beaver.
Why on earth could he not stick to his own kind – like
befriend another little bear instead”!?

Benji was so taken aback by his father's gruff snooty
tone – it was apparent the little guy was upset as little
tears started to roll down his face.

Ollie stormed in as quick as lightening and perched
beside his dear little friend Benji, put one huge wing
around the little fellow as if he were consoling him,
“hush hush, there there, don't be getting yourself so
upset”.

Benji wandered off into a deep story of how they all
had met, going into all the nitty gritty even over
exaggerating at times until again Ollie Owl had to
interrupt, he had no choice to … otherwise it would
be dark again.

Ollie: “A ...Em... A Hem... Could you all please be
quiet and have some consideration for the little one,
he is only doing his very best and we all did our very
best to reach here and finally find Benji's parents.
There should be happiness and joy in the air and if I

55

may address Benji's parents for a moment... I take
offence on how you speak about our old chap here
beaver, his name is Castor for the record. I never
witnessed such humiliation and furthermore how he
just sat there and took it all, how would any of you
like to be treated with such distain, I find the whole
affair frightfully awful I must say – frightfully awful
indeed. For your information Benji's Dad, the little
fellow made this meeting possible, believe me at
times he did get under my feathers and can be a little
irritating at times but one of us aren't annoying at
times”.

Benji's Dad: “Indeed ...Em”.

Ollie: “Hush hush I am not finished yet! This little
guy saved our bacon… feathers… skin... Whatever…
we really all nearly had given up hope of ever getting
to this brook, we were all exhausted and this little
beaver worked tirelessly throughout the night and
gave us all such a lovely surprise when we work up
in the early hours this morning. Such a sight to
behold, out little boat, he had made it possible for us
to cross the endless expanse of the lake that lay
before us, so Mr. Bear in future don't be so quick to
judge”.

56

Castor: “Well said old bud, didn't realise you held
me with such high regard. Many thanks to you kind
sir”.

Ollie: “I hold you in the highest esteem and no need
for thanks old chum”!

57

Benji's Dad: “Em, well seeing that we are all
dishing out niceties, first of all, nice words Mr. Owl
and by the sounds of it, words truly deserved. Please
do forgive for my harsh judgement Mr. Beaver”.
Castor: “Thank you Benji's Dad and my name is
Castor”!
Benji's Dad: “Well Castor, I am very grateful to you
and to all of you for reuniting mama and I with
Benji. Now you must all be very hungry and tired; I
would like to invite you all back for refreshment and
some rest”.

58

Chapter Twelve

The evening was approaching as they followed the
bears back to their home, it wasn't too far from the
brook. There stood an enormous beech tree with a
huge trunk. There was a large opening which was
the doorway into the bears cosy little den. Two other
small openings above the doorway and another
window above that which Benji pointed out to Amy
as they approached – was his little bedroom. There
were two large logs that were shaped out as bench
seating each side of the doorway. Ivy entwined some
branches of the beech which hung down the front –
like a canopy. Amy thought it looked quite lovely
and quaint, basic but something beautifully homely
about it. Mama bear gave out all the refreshments,

59

cold cuts of salmon, berries and nuts. It was a very
welcomed meal for all the little travellers. They all
chatted and got more aquainted with each other.
Benji's Dad interrupted; -

Benji's Dad: “Tell me son, where and how did you
meet the little girl”?

Benji: “Well first of all papa her name is Amy and
he went into the story of their meeting and how
scared they both were”.

Ollie again took the initiative to get things under
control.

Ollie: “Em Hello! Can we all gather round and
discuss the best way forward to finding Amy’s'
parents and Myst's families please”.

The Owl's tone was authoritive and somewhat there
was a hint of urgency in his voice. They all gathered
around the owl, Benji's parents only too eager to help
in any way they could.... the best plan of action they
agreed to take it easy for the remainder of the
evening, rest and see what the best way forward was
first thing in the morning. At least they all had food
and shelter and safety for the night.

60

They all sat around the little kitchen log table and
chatted and laughed and filled each other in on their
various lifestyles. All of a sudden Benji's Dad
looked up, he had been watching Myst and all of a
sudden uttered, “my goodness it has been bothering
me all evening, I couldn't quite be sure but I think I
may know where your mama and family are Myst. In
actual fact they are not too far away from here, not
far at all indeed, just about a mile or so, I saw them
earlier when we were searching for you Benji”.

Myst's eyes instantly brightened up.

Ollie: “Well my goodness, if true what you claim Mr.
Bear, it would be such a relief. I haven't seen the
youngster looking so bright and cheerful since we
first came upon the little fellow”.

Mr. Bear: “Well what do you think Ollie? Should we
perhaps go now and bring him to where I spotted his
family as time may be of the essence. She might
move off tomorrow in search of the little one”?

Ollie: Good thinking, you have a valid point there
Mr. Bear”.

They all said their goodbyes to Myst, Benji and
Castor both hugged him and wished him well. Amy

61

was ever so sad to see the little pup go even though
she was happy for him to be going back to his
family. She knew only too well how he must be
feeling to be able to see his family again. She gave a
huge hug, snuggled her head into the little ball fur
and said her goodbyes into his little ear “Love you
Myst, you'll will always be in my mind dear little
Myst, promise me that you will always stay close to
your family and be happy” Myst looked at the little
girl, his eyes met hers, there were no words spoken
but Amy knew he understood what she was saying.
As he walked to the door with Benji’s Dad and Ollie
he turned around and ran back to Amy, leaped up on
her and licked her face and then ran back to the door,
then they were gone.

62

Chapter Thirteen

Ollie and Papa bear and Myst went into the night in
search of Myst's mum. Back at Benji's home all
were quite sad but happy, hoping the papa bear was
right, that it was Myst’s mum he had seen earlier on
that day.

In fact, turned out he was right because as they
neared the den, they could see Mist's mum standing,
wild bright eyes staring at them as they approached.
She could hardly believe her eyes and ran towards
them. Mum and son greeted each other fondly.
“Where have you been son”? Ollie butted in and
filled her in on everything, her reply “Most grateful
to you and Mr. Bear for bringing him back to me safe
and sound. My goodness youngsters these days, you
simply would need eyes in the back of your head!
Well thank you again, most grateful”. They said
their farewells and returned to their homes.

When papa bear and Ollie entered the little kitchen,
the atmosphere was quite sombre. Papa bear broke
the silence. “Well I suppose we should prepare some
sleeping arrangements; everybody must be quite
tired at this stage; it's been a long day for all”.
Benji informed Ollie and Castor that they could have
his room, both felt very privileged indeed. He then

63

said that he and Amy would snuggle down outside
under the canopy and ordered blankets from his
mama”. “Easily to know who calls the shots here”!
His mama retorted and laughed.

Castor and Ollied retired to Benji's room, mama and
papa bear also settled down for the night. So, it was
just Benji and Amy left in the kitchen. They giggled
and chatted and chatted some more about their first
meeting and about how they both had been so scared
of one another and how wonderful it was that they
had befriended one another. Interrupted by a little
tap at the doorway, mama bear entered the kitchen -
“I think it's about time you two settled down for the
night and get some rest, there will be plenty of time
tomorrow for chit chat.... remember it will be an
early start in the morning. Go and get a little
something to eat and drink and straight then to bed”.

Benji didn't have to be told twice, he loved his mama
and he knew she would never be too strict and knew
she had a soft spot for him but he respected her. He
followed orders and went to the little pantry and got
himself and Amy the remainder of the salmon and
two glass of blackberry juice.

Both retired outside under the canopy of ivy and
snuggled side by side on one of the benches with

64

blankets mama had left. They chatted for a little
while longer.

Benji just looked at Amy and uttered “my dear little
friend I just want you to know this, I've wanted to say
it earlier on our , just I guess we were so busy getting
to this point and trying to survive, I just didn't get the
chance but Amy I want you to know that when you
are reunited with your family which I know you will,
in fact I am sure of it, they won't be giving up – I am
sure they are searching as I speak.
I want you to know that I will always remember you
with great fondness and love, you have made as huge
impact on my life, I am charmed we had a chance to
meet one another. I will forever have you in my
heart dearest Amy, my special little friend – our
meeting on the scariest might of my life”.

Amy: “Oh Benji Ditto! I hope I see my parents of
course soon but I too will miss you so much my
dearest little friend, you are so special.
This has been a scary time for me but when my
parents find me, I will remember this time for the rest
of my life.
Meeting you Benji and all the others, well it was so
special. But Benji I will truly miss you and will think
of you every day of my life”.

65

Benji: “Thank you Amy, now good night, sleep tight
and don't let the bench bugs bite”!! they both broke
into giggles again and fell asleep.

66

Chapter Fourteen

The search party had been out all day in search for
Amy, the evening darkness was beginning to show.
Amy’s parents were frantically worried at this stage.
They had covered a lot of ground during the day and
still no trace of Amy, However, Elliott one of the
Mounties had informed Jim the Mounty assigned to
stay with the Gordon's told him he had come across
small shoe prints along one side of the lakeside but
according to Elliott they had been about a day old.
This of course gave the Gordon's some hope. There
were small independent search parties that the
Johnson's had organised – local farming people like
themselves.

The Gordons had come across the Johnson's farm
dwelling first night. They made sure they had plenty
of supplies – refreshments etc., and made sure they
were well equipped for all eventualities. The
Johnson family – a trio like themselves, Anne,
Charles and their daughter Emeila, they were great
support to Jane and James. Emeila was a bright
cheerful little girl and in fact was the same age as
Amy. It was plainly obvious she was a country girl
as she was dressed in dungarees and a little
lumberjack shirt, she was a tomboy.

67

The search helicopter had been back and forth all that
day constantly keeping in contact with the Mounties.
He radioed Jim who was with the Gordons to say
evening was closing in and darkness was hampering
any chance of him spotting anything. He was just
about to sign off when he spotted an object by the
other side of the lake, “Hold on Jim!, I can't figure it
out but it looks like, a boat – raft type object, I will
try to get a bit closer – one moment Jim, – Yes –
Roger that, it is, a smallish makeshift of a boat”. He
a Jim constantly kept radio contact giving Jim's
search party directions. They arrived eventually at
the spot where the boat had been moored.

68

Jim looked for any clues, indications or recent
activity and spotted more small shoeprints. He had
also seen animal foot prints but didn't divulge
anything to the rest of the party as he didn't want to
alarm them. All with eyes keenly on the ground they
followed Jim through the forest until they eventually
came to an opening. Beyond that Jim spotted the
brook and noticed a lot of footprints, feathers, hairs –
he shouted back to the rest of the party, seems like
there's been a lot of activity here and what's more, it
hasn't been too long ago. This new discovery
brought both hope and fear to the Gordon's. Anna
Johnson was next to Jane as they approached the
little brook, her arm around Amy's mum. She too
could see clearly small shoe prints which were quite
fresh. Jim beckoned to Charles Johnson and Amy's
dad, “Guy's if we follow those footprints and the
others – there also appears to be some feathers, if we
follow them, it appears that they are trailing back
into the forest just over there!” both men agreed with
the Mounty. All carefully proceed through the trees,
bushes and undergrowth.

Benji: “Amy, Amy … wake up Amy, I hear some
noises, it sounds like humans... people talking.
Could it be you folk's perhaps”?
Amy was semi awake ... “Eh maybe Benji” and fell
asleep again.

69

The little bear could hear footsteps, branches
breaking, it must be Amy’s mama and papa he
thought to himself. He began to feel uneasy, he
looked at his little friend and whispered “Goodbye
my Amy” and scurried back into the Den.

Jim: “Over Here! Quick! Over Here”! There in front
of them was Amy curled up on a long log under a
tree.
The Gordons rushed up to their daughter in disbelief,
“She's still breathing Jim said but she is somewhat
cold, we need to get her back to some heat”.

Back at the farm, the Johnsons had called the local
doctor who was now attending Amy. Jane and James
were very concerned for their daughter as she hadn't
woken up.

Charles and Anna Johnson were out making hot
beverages and some sandwiches. They were very
relieved also that they had found Amy alive. The
doctor then appeared out of the bedroom door. “Well
I have not immediate concerns with your daughter
Mr and Mrs Gordon, her condition is stable.
However, she is a little dehydrated, but it appears
she had to be eating and drinking perhaps berries or
something otherwise she would be in a more serious
state.

70

Chapter Fifteen

I would put her delirious state down to simple
exhaustion, some bed rest and liquids and small
amounts of food to begin with will have her back to
herself in no time”. The worry and anguish
immediately faded off the Gordon's faces. They
were so grateful to hear that welcoming news from
the doctor.

They both went into the room to see their daughter,
still asleep, Jane Gordon pulled out Amy's favourite
little teddy whom she had christened Scruffie, his
name was apt as he was the same age as Amy, a gift
from Jane's dearest Cousin when Amy was born.
Jane gently put him in the bed beside her. Both
returned out to the kitchen to a welcoming table of
food and refreshments. Anna suggested that she and
Jane would take it in turns nursing Amy through the
night, the men retired to bed.

Jane and Anna had spent the night keeping a close
eye on Amy – she appeared restless and was talking,
most of it mumbling and making no sense. James
Gordon woke at 6:30, Charles Johnson was already
up and out on the farm. Amy’s dad entered the
room, Jane was beside Amy's bedside, she was
beginning to wake up – James looked at his daughter

71

concerned as she looked a little frail and wasn't quite
aware of her surroundings or of them being there. In
fact, she seemed as if she was somewhere else and it
was like she was having a conversation with
someone else as she wasn't making any sense. Anna
interrupted as she came in with some tea and toast on
a little tray and set it next to her. Jane helped Amy
sit up and managed to get her to eat a little.

Amy's next words baffled them all “where’s Benji?
Where is Benji and the rest of the gang”?

James looked at his wife, Jane saw the grave look of
concern on his face – both looked at one another and
it was as if time stood still for these moments until
they were interrupted again by Amy's words “Where
am I? Where is Benji? - where are the rest of the
gang? Oh Benji” – she went off into a trance like
state. Moments passed, Jane, Anna and James
watched Amy, Jane not sure what to think or what
their next move should be – was she concussed? Did
they need to seek medical advice or perhaps get her
to hospital?

Silence was interrupted once more by Amy’s
sobbing. Jane went and hugged her closely - “my
darling Amy, I know you have been through a
traumatic time but your Dad and I are here now,

72

there is nothing to be frightened of now – your safe”.
Both Jane and James hugged their daughter. They
were so relieved to have her back with them.

Amy: “Oh, Mama, Papa, I am so happy to see you
but where am I”?

Jane filled her daughter in on how they had been
searching frantically for the past few days, how she
had disappeared and how worried they were and how
the Johnson's were so helpful and all the surrounding
neighbours and Mounties.

Amy in turn gave her version of how scared she was
when she realised, she had wandered from the
camper and how she couldn't recall what direction
she had come from and how every path, tree and
opening looked the same. She went on to describe
the first night and all the various sounds in the forest
and then went off into a dream again and was quiet.

Anna Johnson and Emeila came into the room,
Emeila had been so excited to meet Amy. Jane
introduced them, Amy had snapped out of her daze
again and saw the little girl in front of her. Amy
thought she looked about the same age as she was.
She looked friendly and smiled at Amy, Amy
returned the smile and it was obvious to her that her

73

mum was right – they were lovely warm-hearted
people.

74

Chapter Sixteen

Back at the Bear's Den underneath the canopy of ivy,
Ollie, Caster and Benji adjourned after lunch. They
had all been up since the very early hours of that
morning reminiscing about all the wonderful times
they had with their little friend Amy – how nice and
polite and helpful she was and that how humans can
be so nice after all. They all missed her terribly but
all agreed that it was so good that she had been re-
united with her folks again. Benji, well while he was

75

happy too, he was dreadfully sad – he hadn't touched
his salmon lunch which he himself was surprised as
was everyone else. Benji loved his salmon. He was
feeling very lonely, very lonely indeed. He had
connected with her, she understood him. How, he
thought to himself – could he not ever see her again?
Ollie interrupted the silence, “well guys, I must be
off, it was great to meet with you both and sure, well,
we will keep in touch, perhaps meet up for a chat”: -
“Yeh, yeh” Castor interrupted - “That would be most
lovely Ollie Owl, we should keep up our friendship
now. Isn’t' that right Benji? … Benji”.

Benji: Barely audible, “Yes, we should, good
thinking”.
Both Ollie and Castor exchanged a glance at one
another, they knew their little friend was
heartbroken.

Ollie: “Perhaps, well just a thought Benji, would you
like me to stay here with you for the night? maybe
you could show me the local sights around here, you
never know I might quite like it and decide to re-
locate!”

Before Benji had a chance to respond – Castor again
interrupted; - “Oh yes Ollie, what a marvellous idea,
it is definitely true what they say about you owls!”

76

Ollie: “What's that Castor!?”
Castor: “Wise, Wise, Wise Owls, Owls are wise!”
Ollie: “Enough Castor, once is quite sufficient but
thank you anyway for that compliment”.
Castor: “May I'll stay too Benji? Sure, we could go
on another adventure, isn't that right Ollie?”
Ollie: “Well, let’s just go and check out the local
surroundings of Benji's immediate territory,
remember we wouldn't want to get lost now – Would
We?!”
They all laughed at the sarcasm in Ollie's tone, it was
the first time the little bear had laughed since Amy
left.

77

Chapter Seventeen

Amy had slept most of the afternoon. Jane had been
with her most of the time. The doctor had called to
check on her and was pleased she was making a good
recovery; her fever had gone. They all had supper
and retired to bed early that night.

Amy woke early the next morning to the crow of the
cockerel and sunshine peeping in the bedroom of the
farmhouse window. Her mum was still asleep on the
floral armchair beside her. She tip-toed down the
corridor onto the stairs where she heard voices
coming from the kitchen. She continued down and
into the kitchen to find her Dad and Mr. Johnson
sitting at the table having pancakes and maple syrup.
James in shock rose quickly to his feet with disbelief
on his face. “Amy, what has you up so early”?

Mr Johnson went to the aga and put on some fresh
pancakes to cook. Amy explained to her dad that she
had slept well and she felt energised enough to go
and look for Benji. James played along with his
daughter's notion of looking for this Benji character.
Amy was getting through her pancakes and orange
juice when Emeila entered the kitchen with a big
smile. She said a warm-hearted “Good morning”.
Both girls sat eating their pancakes and chatting

78

about their schools, friends and the latest music they
were into. They had a lot in common James mused
to himself. He was relieved when he saw the two
girls leave the kitchen and go outside. He and
Charles came to the conclusion that this would take
her mind off the ordeal she had been through.
The girls played most of that day, Emeila showing
Amy the various outhouses, barn and stables, vibrant
with all the dwellers, cows, horses, chickens, dogs
and half-grown fluffy kittens. She also showed her
the walled garden where vegetables and some apple
and plum trees grew. There was an archway at one
section of the walled garden and beyond that, Emeila
had pointed this massive oak tree that was made into
a treehouse, Amy grew more excited and both girls
just ran till they reached the majestic tree.

79

They spent most of their time there, playing house
and chatting until they were disturbed by Emeila's
mum beckoning them. Both girls ran towards the
house, dinner was on the table, afterwards the two
girls did the chores while the two mums did the
dishes.
James helped Charles finish up for the evening on the
farm. It was cold and night was closing in. They all
sat in the comfy living room for the evening.

Anna looked across the room at the two now best
friends tucked up on one couch surrounded by large
cushions merrily drinking coco and playing
scrabbled. Anna had reserved thoughts, she looked
over at the two, they were whispering to each other,
she wondered what they might be up to! As she
thought to herself, it is not always good when young
folk are whispering, it was obvious to her they were
plotting and planning something that they didn't want
anyone else in the room hearing! The other adults
were chatting by the large open fire and were
unaware of anything going on down.

Anna put it out of her head and returned to chatting
with Jane. They had all become acquainted over the
past few days and it was like they had been friends
for many years. They all retired to bed early that
night as it was the norm in a farm, having to be up at

80

daybreak to tend to all the animals and carry out the
daily chores entailed with keeping a good farm.

81

Chapter Nineteen

James was getting it very hard to sleep, he had
tucked Amy in to bed. The whole thing didn't rest
easy with him, he thought she was still adamant that
she had befriended a little bear. Usually, James
would put it down to Amy’s vivid imagination but
this was different somehow. The story remained the
same, the details never changed. While he was lying
awake suddenly it dawned on him that when they had
come upon Amy, he distinctly remembers her lying
on a bed of pines bushed branches and various
coloured leaves on top, and beside her were berries
and nuts, could she have collected them herself, the
whole situation looked two organised he thought.

She was so sheltered and he also recalled two rocks
each side of the large tree and how the ivy just hung
down so beautifully. The more he thought, the more
things came to him like, had he seen a shadow? Or
was that just his imagination and thinking more in-
depth again, had he seen tracks of something? Some
animal? Bear even!?

James woke the next morning after very little sleep,
he had decided he was going to re-trace the way back
to where they had found Amy. He had asked Charles
could he borrow pick-up and was on his way through

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steep little hills and valleys, dirt roads, channels of
evergreens all around.
As he was passing the lake and there, he saw
congregating a bear, beaver and an owl perched up
on a rock, he thought it odd but continued on which
wasn't far from where they had found Amy.

The place looked different in full daylight, sun
shining, he arrived at the large oak tree which was
massive and was covered in ivy. Behind it was large
rock which merged into the tree at one point. At the
front of the tree there was one fairly large entrance
and above that were two hollows. To the front of the
main body of the tree where branches extending all
overhanging with ivy. James took a closer look to
the main opening as it were on the ground, he did see
traces of hair, and as he looked even closer, there
were prints, not of human, but of a bear or something
with large padded feet with claw or nail indentation
was obvious to him that definitely something was
living here.
This is a bear’s den and YES, this is where they
found Amy and Yes what does Amy keep repeating
over and over? Benji, yes Benji the Bear. Then he
immediately thought of the trio he saw at the rock by
the lake and wondered was that Amy's bear?
Furthermore, he did recall Amy speaking of an owl
and a beaver!

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James thought and wondered could this possibly be?
He sat there bemused, thinking perhaps Amy's story
was plausible, after all, how did she survive in spite
of all the dangerous occupants that a forest would
hold? He got back into the pickup and made his way
back to the lake, as he approaching not only did, he
see the bear, beaver and owl, he saw two girls, My
God, he thought to himself, he definitely wasn't
seeing things.

Amy and Emeila sitting on the little rocks by the lake
with these little figures! As James pulled alongside
the lake, Amy and Emeila ran to the pickup. “Papa,
Papa, come meet Benji, Castor and Ollie” James got
out of the pickup and walked with Amy and Emeila
towards the lake. While he was in awe at how the
three little animals just sat there without moving or
without be frightened nor did he feel intimidated by
them, he was curious to know how the girls got
there? “Amy how on earth did the two of you get
here, Amy giggled, and then thought better not to
push it too far showed the bicycles behind the rock
and explained that they had got up at daybreak and
that Emeila showed here a shorter way to get there”

James just smiled and looked towards the little bear
that seemed to be looking in his direction. “You must
be Benji I take it”? James thought it looked like as

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though the bear nodded. “Well I owe you the utmost
gratitude for looking after Amy and then he thought
he heard a clearing of a throat not sure if it was the
beaver or the owl, James looked at both of them also
and said he was most thankful to them all for taking
care of his daughter.

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Chapter Twenty

Now Amy and Emeila we must return home at once
as I am sure all at the farmhouse will be out with
another search party. Say your goodbyes, so as they
were doing so, James loaded the two small bikes into
the back of the pickup. Needless to say, it was a
quiet journey back to the farm, the two girls were
silent. As James had expected, Charles, Anna and
Jane were searching everywhere for the girls. Anna
thought to herself she had been right about the girls
the previous evening; they had indeed been plotting!

The Gordon’s had remained friends with the
Johnson's and made it a ritual to visit them every
summer or fall without fail. Amy would always go
to her special place at Hollybush Forest and always
meet Benji and years to follow she met Benji with
his own family.

THE END

© Dorothy Aughey

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