Short chapter, but it gets into Grumpy's 'kids' a little more. :)
Michael came into the house with Rico, Lila, Cody, and Samantha. Sofia was at the stove, and the smell of dinner was in the air.
"Mm, enchiladas!" Michael said happily. "Smells amazing, mi media naranja!"
Sofia turned and smiled. "We have a guest, Michael."
"Guest?"
She pointed to the couch and the five people standing just inside the doorway looked then froze. Samantha and Lila yelled in joy and raced over. They hugged him, one on either side, kissing his face. Grumpy smiled tightly, embracing them back.
"It's been a while, my darling girls."
"You're all black," Michael said quietly.
"My parents found me."
Dead silence. The girls suddenly didn't look happy anymore. They allowed Michael to pick the Care Bear up and cradle him close.
"Tell us all about it."
"After I eat. I haven't eaten all day."
"Well, the food is ready," Sofia said. "So let's set the table and eat."
Twenty minutes later, the enchiladas were settling in Grumpy's stomach, and he felt much better. Make no mistake, he was still miserable, but a full belly helped greatly. They gathered in the living room, and Grumpy told them of what had happened. He couldn't help but cry when he was done. His kids embraced him, even tough-as-nails Cody. They all understood his pain at a level that most people wouldn't.
"It's okay, Grumpy Bear. You're welcome to stay here until you sort it all out."
"Thanks, Michael. I really appreciate it." The black bear paused. "Mind if I take a shower?"
"Not at all. Use the one in mine and Sofe's bedroom. It's got an adjustable water flow."
Grumpy enjoyed his shower. He got out when he heard the rumble of thunder. None of the humans said a word when he went straight outside and up on a small hill. Michael watched him in the fading light of the sun. Soon the sky was dark, no starlight or moonlight to interrupt the blackness above them. The human walked up and embraced him.
"Make it rain, Grumpy Bear," Rico said from behind them.
"Si, Grumpy. Let the thunder roll," Sofia purred.
Grumpy waited until Michael had backed up to stand with his family before he let out a huge roar. Thunder immediately crashed after it as lightning slammed down beside the bear. He roared again and again, letting the storm thunder around him. This was the release he needed. But at what cost had it come?