She wanted Sammy to learn from his mistakes and grow to believe in himself. As Willow would say, she needed to look beyond her problems to solutions.  He had to begin learning to be an adult with acceptable characteristics for survival, one being using his words. In the event he was unable to stroll through the trees, down the paths with a variety of things to sniff and investigate there would be trouble. His behavior became more aggressive as his anger and frustration increased. Bea often had a limp similar to Billie bear, her old time friend, who befriended him. Both were wounded as a result of Sammy’s aggressive action to express his aggravation. 

As if it were her fault everything was too wet with water dripping from the saturated leaves of trees overhead! Finding no way to enjoy himself, Sammy lashed out tooth and claw at his unsuspecting mom’s leg as if she were a leg of lamb. Contrary to this acting out, moderation & patience were called for. Bea wondered if there were a way to instill a conscience in Sammy.  

As she jaggedly managed her way toward Willow’s sacred spot, she sucked in her breath and halted. She was so comforted to see Willow was still there. Though the loyal tree had said she’d always be there,  Bea usually did one of her infamous ‘what-if’s.’ 

As she grew closer, her whole being fluttered with hope. As they discussed Sammy, Willow guided Bea to change the words in her heart from I can’t solve this to, can I solve this?, to a resolve, I can solve this.  She could face this dilemma with help. Willow suggested she introduce a friend to Bea who would be able to understand Sammy better than any others.

However puzzled she was, about how this could work, she did pay as close attention as possible. A serious distraction made this difficult.  Bea was certain Willow was unaware what had just emerged from the thickets, to the right of them. A swallow choked in her dry throat. The busy buzzing bees within were stilled, silent. She did a quick inventory of defense tactics her mom had taught her. None seemed sufficient against this degree of threat. 

Bea’s mouth opened and closed. No sound could be made. All that might have been heard was a muted whimper. Much like Sammy clawing his way up a tree or Bea’s tender leg she didn’t want it tearing up Willow’s already sufficiently scarred bark, 

She found the ability to tear her fixed attention away from the ominous sight.  In doing this, she was able to understand what was happening. She was staring at Athena, who was going to be a great companion for Sammy and respite for his beleaguered mom. 

Upon hearing this, Bea lowered her head and began weeping. She felt as if a branch with great heaviness on her shoulders was finally lifted.  After Willow reassured Bea,  Athena was a friendly bobcat, as taught by her mom, Bea cordially introduced herself. 

Also, carrying out another tradition, Bea invited Athena to join Sammy and her in their cave home. On their stroll toward Athena’s new home, Bea filled her in with all that had been going on with Sammy, in addition to his wild beginnings.

Willow had purposely not told  Bea much more about Athena. She knew Bea would grow closer to Athena if she were the one to discover who Athena was. The wise tree had reassured Bea,  Athena had been commissioned with a vital project called ‘Tame Sammy.’  And that she knew Athena was qualified for the task.  Bea felt hope for the first time in a while. 

As your narrator I will tell you, Native Americans or stone pilers, as Bea named them, trust their secrets to the bobcat spirit. This revealer of truth was going to be a friend and protector to Bea and an excellent support for Sammy.  Athena would understand his wildness. 

As we know, Bea has one concern whenever she invites anyone to live with her. Athena told Bea she need not worry about her “be good to myself” treat, as Athena dined on mice and fish. Bea told her she knew the best fishing spots. Athena flashed a bobcat smile. 

They were already off to a good start. Athena could turn out to be a good friend. Some may remember, Bea’s mom long ago told her there were always potential friends to be made. Bea smiled to herself thinking how happy her mom would be for all the courageous growing she was doing.