Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2012 10:25:24 -0500 (EST)
From: Pwrlftrbear@aol.com
Subject: Falling Into Forever Chapter 13

	I stirred from slumber and stretched, then froze.  I came abruptly
awake when I realized I was alone.  His side of the bed was cool to the
touch, so he had been up for a while.
	Would have thought he'd be worn out.  After Jim and Dan left, he
had insisted on starting on Jim's place immediately.  We'd ended up
spending most of the day working on it.  Got the impression he intended on
doing that every day until they got back.
	I tried to go back to sleep, but I couldn't.  He may be a grown
bear, but he's still my cub.
	I got out of bed and padded down the hall.
	"Brian?" I called, knocking on the door to his studio.
	I got no answer and when I opened the door, the room was dark.
	"Hmm," I grunted.
	Always before, whenever this would happen, I would find him here,
working.  I couldn't hear anything stirring in the house.  I stood chewing
my lip for a moment, then closed my eyes.
	"Joe?" I called softly.
	I didn't know if he would respond.  Usually, when we'd...talk, he'd
be the one initiating our contact.  I tried picturing him in my mind.  Dark
hair flecked with silver, a thick mustache curling up at the ends, warm
brown eyes glowing with humor and affection.
	"You called, 'Uncle'?" he replied almost immediately.
	"So that how it's going to be?" I asked in relief at his prompt
reply.
	"I suppose I understand how he feels about Grandpapa, now," he
replied, clearly amused.  "Are...are you really angry at him for not
telling you sooner?"
	"Of course not," I laughed.  "He knows that.  Would have thought
you would to."
	"Well, there is a difference between what he hears and what he
thinks, if you take my meaning," he said.  "He can talk to me...well...any
of us in here, silently if he wishes, but even I don't know what he's
really thinking.  I am a part of him, yet apart from him, if that makes
sense."
	"Actually it does," I said, nodding.  "You are still yourself, not
a figment of his imagination."
	"Exactly," he said and I could feel his relief at my understanding.
"So how does...us... make you feel?"
	"Suppose no stranger than Grandpapa feels about him," I laughed.
"Makes me feel relieved knowing that my family survived."
	"So.  What should I call you now?" he said and I could feel his
amusement bubbling beneath the surface.
	"You can call me whatever you like," I chuckled.  "Paul.  Uncle.
Even Papa, if you like.  Just don't call me late for supper."
	We laughed and I could feel him embracing me.
	"So, where is he?" I asked at last.
	"He's out back," he replied.  "He couldn't sleep."
	"Thanks."
	I headed to the back door and looked out.  Dawn was just barely
touching the horizon, but I could see the huge bear sitting out there
gazing into the distance.
	"Hey," I said as I slid the door open.
	"Morning," he rumbled back, turning his heavy head towards me.
	"You okay?" I asked, stepping up to him and scratching him behind
one of his rounded ears.
	He bent into my caress, resting his forehead against my chest, his
breath ruffling my fur.
	"I don't know," he said wearily.  "I can't stop dreaming."
	"Everybody dreams," I said, patting his great head.
	"I know that," he grumbled.  "But they're not letting me get any
real rest.  I've always had trouble sleeping.  It's hard to turn my mind
off unless I'm completely worn out."
	"So this is normal?" I asked hopefully.
	He heaved a sigh.
	"This is worse than ever before.  You had told me about the dreams
I'd have during the change.  I had hoped they'd stop afterward.  But
they've been getting worse."
	"Because of your...gifts?" I suggested.
	"Possibly.  I had thought it might have been from staying with Mike
and Cliff.  That I might just be picking up on all the sleeping minds
around me.  But last night was just as bad."
	"Is it me?" I asked softly.
	"No!" he grunted, bumping me with his head.  "I...I think it's my
guests.  Don't know if they 'sleep' but I seem to be sharing
their...memories.  It's as if when my dreams stop, theirs start before I
can get into the deep sleep I need.  Beginning to think maybe that wasn't
one of my best ideas."
	"You did what you thought was right," I said, hugging him.  "And so
do I."
	"And they say no good deed goes unpunished.  I think the problem is
that while I'm awake, I can keep them under control.  Mostly.  But when I
fall asleep, I can't keep them out," he whined.
	"Have you talked to Grandpapa about this?" I asked.
	"A little bit," he growled dejectedly.  "He doesn't have this
problem.  I think it's because he only holds bears."
	"So what do we do?" I asked, lifting his muzzle to make him look at
me.
	"We?" he whispered.
	"Yes.  We.  You're not in this alone," I assured him.
	"Kind of the problem," he rumbled deep in his torso.
	"You know what I mean," I said tapping his snout.  "You've got me
and you've got Joe.  We will work this out together.  Somehow.  Now change
back and come back to bed."
	"Don't like me like this?" he grinned, showing his fangs.
	"I love you however you are," I laughed, relieved he sounded more
like himself.  "But I don't think you'll be able to get through the door."
	"Have a hard enough time like this anymore," he said, his features
flowing back to himself.
	I realized I was gaping when he reached over to close my mouth.
	"How did you get so quick at that?" I asked.
	"Jim said I needed the practice.  Since I couldn't sleep, I decided
to get some in."
	"How many times?" I asked.
	"A few dozen...," he said sheepishly.  "Dozen.  I've been awake a
long time."
	"Well, it seems to be working," I said, impressed.  "Now let's see
what we can do about our problems."