This was fantastic, Stuart! Such a pity it missed the curation cut-off for enhanced rewards. I was fully invested in both Achim and the bears' journeys. The twist was genius!

Achim opened the shutter. The bed was empty. A pair of dungarees lay on the floor. The door was still closed, the bolt secure.

We know when the shots are being fired that the bear and Haggerty are one and the same, but still we hold our breath as we read the finality weaved into the above sentences. Of course, the only way that Achim would ever shoot Haggerty is if his bear persona attacked him. Haggerty had to leave him no choice.

Masterfully told. I do hope we are afforded the privilege of seeing more of your stories in The Ink Well!