May 5th, 2024
Having known Henry for a couple of years now, Alan decided to finally visit the old bear. He rode his bicycle near the woods POST told him about that would lead to Henry's small bear cave. Reflected on this, Alan thought more about when the two originally met. He'd just gotten out of college and was in need of work. Having an interest in animals and documentation, he looked to shelters that were in need of a photographer. That's when he found it, the Preservation of Observed Studious Treasures organization. There, he trained for two years on different responsibilities he would have based on the season. He learned how to conduct research and document all sorts of different species, he even assisted in the discovery of a new breed of krill found distances away POST's Antarctic division.
Months later, he was assimilated and went to work Wednesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Alan's assignment varied from photographing new animals that came into the shelter from emergencies, designing and upkeeping the organization's journal, and whatever assistance he offers to others. He was well known, respected, and quite resourceful to everyone Alan has met. At some point, he was offered a higher position, but declined in respects of allowing his collogues to progress their careers in POST. Alan was happy.
He and Henry met quite surprisingly actually. There was a loud crash downstairs and many were running around yelling about an animal escaping the elevator that morning. Not having slept and quite confused on what that meant, he went down to the lounge to grab a cup of coffee. The lounge was quiet and dimly lit. There was an interesting musk of oak in the room but that didn't disturb Alen as he prepared a cup of joe. Pouring some coffee for himself, he noticed a dent on the bottom of one of the cabinets. As he looked inside, there he was. tiny little Henry curled in a fetal position.
As Henry noticed Alan, he began to cry as he was scared of what Alan might do. Alan, being compassionate for the small confused critter, soothed him. Sleeping in his arms, Alan walked out the lounge as a scientist ran to him. "He's asleep, who is he?" he asked the scientist. The scientist, confused on how Alan was collective, "His name?" Alan looked at the scientist after looking at Henry for a while. "I'll name him Henry." He then gave Henry to the scientist and walked together down to the medical bay Henry was being cared for. Henry had just been found in a wildfire that week and was still recovering from small injuries sustained in the fire fight. Alan had been assigned to study Henry for a few months and report how Henry behaves to different medicines he'd been given. Interestingly enough, Alan advocated for Henry's participation in POST's genetic testing to find a cure for AIDs. Somehow, there was a talking bear in the lab and a bond was made between the two as companions. Years later, Henry was fully realized and released to do what he wanted. Being treated well, he remained near POST's woodland division and assist their team time to time with school trips that teaches others about bear kind.
It's been a many years since Alan visited or heard from Henry. He didn't know about Henry's journal yet. Alan smelled home cook stew from the distance and saw smoke coming from a small hill nearby. "That must be him." he said as he got close to what looked like a makeshift garden and shack. He looked at the big door and gave a booming knock. Alan waited near the door nervously was greeted by the site of a large nicely clothed bear. With a booming voice, Henry answered. "You must be Alan. Please come in." he offered his hand and the two entered the small cave.
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