Unexpected Turns: The Painted Bear

make a mess...!

"If you don't tell that bear to get out of here right now, I'll take him out myself!"

"No!"

"Do it!"

Kasia burst into tears and fell on her face to the floor. She cried loudly, with all her heart. The tears dripped from her eyes and wet the floor. Her mother waited, impatient and indifferent.

"Stop that!" she ordered.

Kasia paid no heed.

"No food until you change your mind!" said her mother. She closed the door and locked it. Kasia heard her go, but she cried for a long time, until her eyes had no more tears to give, and her heart was quieter.

"You wouldn't send me away, would you?" asked Panda.

"No, never," said Kasia sniffing.

"But you will be very hungry if I stay?"

"I don't care. You're my only friend."

"I don't want to see you getting very hungry. I could go for a little while, and then come back?"

"You can't."

"Why not?"

"Because the door's always locked and my mummy has the key."

"I can use me window," said Panda, "I'm a bear you know. I can climb trees very well. That's what bears are good at."

"Climb the tree?" said Kasia.

"Sure!" said Panda, "Its easy! All I have to do is break the glass and jump on to the branches, then away I'll go, until tomorrow. I'll come every day from then on!"

"Really?"

"Sure! Cheer up! Remember, I'm your friend, and friends never leave their friends!"

Kasia went over to the window. She sniffed, and wiped