Kumajiro has no concept of time, the days and nights layering and blending together in a cycle of eating and sleeping and being carried around, but he remembers the big human as a much smaller one. There is a day he holds on tight to Kumajirou, burying his face in his fur and making strange noises. Salty rain falls on his stout when the bear looks up, the fur on his neck and chest damp and made still wetter by it. He pats the small human's face curiously with a paw.
What's wrong?
There is a keening sound, high-pitched and long. He doesn't want to stay in England's house, the boy says, his voice dry and sobbing. England says that he isn't to see Papa anymore but he misses him so much, Papa Papa I want my Papa!
Kumajirou recalls this Papa as a big human much taller than this small one, large and bright and shining, with a voice singing strong and melodious Canada, Canada, my little rabbit, have you been well, my heart? Silver buckles flash on the ground as he bends down to pet him, lace-ringed and perfumed hands which he nuzzles in greeting as the small human cries Papa, Papa! And the bear is brought out of his remembrances by arms tightening around his middle, a thin voice asking why everyone always leaves, why have things turned out this way? I don't want to be alone again! he cries, and buries his face once more into Kumajirou's chest.
But I'm here.
Watery purple eyes blink, and more rain falls.
But you too will die one day! he weeps.
No I won't, Kumajirou answers. I'll live as long as you do.
But you are just a bear, the child sniffs. Kumajirou shrugs and yawns, as if to say it does not matter.
You promise? he whispers, his nose almost touching his pet's. Rolling his eyes at the disbelief of humans, Kumajirou raises a white paw and lightly smacks the boy on the side of his head.
I don't know who you are but I will stay with you, if you will feed me and brush my fur and take me with you wherever you go.
The little face lights up, a small sun to the larger one gone now. I promise!
Kumajirou sniffs. I'm hungry. What's your name?
I'm Canada!
Who?
