Grizzly

His bear was the only remaining ally in his life. His family and friends had deserted him and he had nothing left, except for Grizzly. He named his bear Grizzly because it reminded him of hunting trips with his father so long ago.

They used to do so many things together, before his life had turned itself upside down. He always knew he should never have befriended Alex. He wouldn't be alone, he would still have a home to go to, a family to go home to at the end of the day. Before the heroin, he was the most successful kid most people knew of. When he graduated from high school, things got a little out of control, and he was finally sick of it.

Holding Grizzly in his arms, he searched for a rehabilitation clinic and found one. As he entered the doors, he couldn't help feeling relief. He would finally find help, a way back to the life he used to know. A million things were going through his mind as he walked towards the main desk of the clinic. "How may I help you today, sir?" asked the woman behind the counter. He didn't see her face, only her mouth as she spoke words he couldn't understand. She guided him through back doors, down a hall, through another set of doors and into an office.

That was three years ago, and he still holds Grizzly close to him. Through every cold sweat, and the shivers of rehabilitation. He held him tight when he was reunited with his family and friends. He held him tightest when he had to see Alex again. He had decided he didn't want Alex in his life anymore. He left him behind, just as his own family had before he got better.

He was fixed and no longer needed Grizzly to help him through. As he handed the bear to Alex, the last time he would see him, he couldn't help but feel empty. Just as soon as it came, it was gone. He didn't need Grizzly or Alex. He was clean; he was starting a family of his own. He wanted Grizzly to help Alex just as the bear had helped him.