Free Ezra and the Lion Cub by W. L. Liberman Page B

commanded.

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    â€œROOOOAAARRR!”

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    Once again, confusion burst out among the hunters who seemed unsure as to what to do.
The Lioness snarled and swiped her giant claws at the air.

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    Ezra backed them further into the forest.
When the sun went behind a cloud, he turned suddenly.
“Run, run swiftly,” he urged.

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    The hunters fired wildly.
The Lioness and her cub bounded off into the forest.
Ezra followed after them running as fast as he could.

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    They ran deep into the forest. The sounds of the hunters chasing them died away. It was safe for the moment. The lion cub cried out, “Mama!”
Ezra turned to look. He saw that the Lioness had been badly wounded.
She was in great pain.

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    â€œI will help,” Ezra said. “I will bind your wound and you will be fine.”
“No,” the Lioness said, growing weaker. “I’m afraid, it is too late.
The wound is too deep. I cannot go on.” “Mama,” the lion cub cried.
“You have to get better. Who will take care of me? I don’t want you to die.”
“All living things must die sometime,” the Lioness said.
“Do not be afraid, little one. You will learn. You will survive.
Be strong but be careful. The world is a dangerous place.”

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    â€œI will help him,” Ezra declared.
The Lioness smiled sadly and shook her head. “No, human.
Beasts of the forest and humans are enemies. You must go back among your own kind.
Some day, perhaps, it might be different but for now, this is not your home.
Your home is with them. Go now. You have done enough.”

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    Ezra turned away from the dying Lioness and lion cub.
He lifted his hand in farewell, then slowly, with a heavy heart and a great sadness, made his way back to the only life he knew well….

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    Ezra woke up as he did everyday just as the sun came up and the rooster crowed.
He had to get ready.
He hoped to shine many shoes that day.