A New Friend

"I'm so sorry," sobbed the bear. " I didn't mean to scare anyone, or chase you away. I was hungry and lonely, and so happy to see you all.  A couple of days ago, my Mom left to look for berries..... and she never came back. I went to look for her, but couldn't find her. Then I heard you in the woods, and I smelled all the delicious food. I was so happy, and hoping you might share some..."

"Oh my!" said Nami, "That's so sad. I had no idea."

"You poor bear! You must be starving! Of course we'll share with you....." 
.....and Erzulie offered him the biggest slice of watermelon she could find 

The bear wiped his tears, and took the watermelon, as Erzulie sat down beside him...

Efreet picked up all the teddies that had been knocked over, and sat down too.

Bonnie and Byuri also came and joined them. Byuri picked up all the spilled donuts 
and put them back into the box, and Bonnie helped herself to a hotdog

Everyone was happy to get back to their picnic....and that they had made a new friend.....

..except for Elin, who was still cautiously watching from the bushes. 
Her parents had always warned her to be wary of strangers.

But I don't think it will be very long before she realizes that this 'stranger' 
is just a new friend she just hadn't met yet. Then she will join them too.