Chris Trottier on Nostr: Isn’t it strange how our young minds twist reality? Many of us, especially as ...

Isn’t it strange how our young minds twist reality? Many of us, especially as children, think of bears as these endearing, huggable creatures, right out of a bedtime story. But the reality is jarringly different. I discovered this stark truth as a child.

We were out exploring the woods, my siblings and I. But as we ventured deeper, a strange silence came over us. The sounds of our laughter faded when we saw it — a colossal bear, deep in slumber. Its sheer size was breathtaking, every inhalation and exhalation resonating with the might of the wild.

The world around us paused. My heart raced, its frantic beats deafening. My siblings stood rooted, eyes wide with fear. All our innocent tales of friendly, honey-loving bears vanished. Here was nature, unfiltered and raw.

I remember clutching my older sister’s hand, feeling it tremble in mine. The realization hit us hard: we were intruding. With whispered promises to tread lightly, we slowly backed away, not daring to break the silence.

That day, with my siblings by my side, I saw the wild for what it truly was: beautiful, powerful, and deserving of deep respect.