While the bear continued his winter sleep under the tree roots, Whistler and Lila visited him with gifts. On clear days they walked to the forest’s edge and placed small things just inside his hole: a dried sea fan, an extra checker, a pot holder Lila had made, and, most important, a triton shell they had found in summer. They did not often find those. Triton shells were special.

They also left a note inviting him to breakfast when he woke up. And finally, one chilly spring morning, the bear did wake up.