120.1st Grade SRR: Bear in the Dark

Bear went back to his night job as soon as he felt well enough. He sat on his log and waited for Kate. She gave him a wave and left for the night. Then Bear picked up the cap and set it on his head. He reached for the flashlight, but it was not there!

“What will I do?” Bear asked himself. “I need that flashlight to check on the zoo!”

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Bear went to check on his pals, but he could not see well. He bumped into things.

“You are standing on my tail!” hissed Snake. Bear quickly jumped off, and Snake curled up his tail just to be safe.

“I cannot see without my flashlight,” Bear told Snake. “Kate did not leave it for me.”

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“Why don’t you get a new flashlight just for you?” asked Snake.

“I don’t have the money for it,” Bear said. “Then turn on the zoo lights,” Snake said.

“I can’t, Snake,” Bear told him. “It is a rule. The zoo lights must stay off at night.”

“Let me think about this,” Snake said. He sat still, flicking his tail from side to side.

“I’ve got it!” said Snake. “I’ll be right back.” He slid onto the grass.

He came back in just a few seconds, and Firefly was with him. Firefly makes light! She glows in the dark.

“Bring Firefly with you!” Snake told Bear.

“Thank you,” said Bear, “but I need a brighter light. Firefly’s light is too dim.”

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Firefly flew up and down. She looked as if she had a plan, too. She buzzed and twirled. What was she doing? Just then, another firefly flew to them. More and more came into Snake’s space.

“They have lit it all up,” said Snake.

“You are as bright as the sun!” said Bear to Firefly and her pals.

“Thank you, Firefly. Thanks, Snake,” said Bear. “This is such a good plan!”

Firefly and her pals stayed with Bear all night. He checked on the zoo without bumping into things. He could see to make sure that the zoo was safe.

“Firefly,” said Bear, “you are so bright— in more ways than one!”

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