Campfire Crossword with a Bear: A Wild Encounter

 Two friends, Dave and John, decided to go camping deep in the woods. They set up their tent, built a campfire, and were enjoying the tranquility of nature when they heard a distant growling sound.

Dave looked at John nervously and said, "Did you hear that? It sounds like a bear!"

John replied, "Don't worry, Dave. I read a book on bears. When they growl, it usually means they're just talking to each other, not looking for trouble."

Relieved but still a bit on edge, they continued sitting by the campfire. A little while later, the growling sound grew louder and closer. This time, it was unmistakably a bear.

Dave started to panic and said, "John, are you sure it's just the bears talking to each other?"

John replied, "Well, I can't be 100% sure, but let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe it's just a friendly bear."

As the growling continued, the bear suddenly emerged from the darkness and stood on its hind legs, roaring loudly.

Dave screamed, "John, that bear doesn't look very friendly to me!"

John calmly replied, "You know, Dave, sometimes when people meet each other for the first time, it can be a little awkward. Maybe the bear just wants to be friends but doesn't know how to introduce itself properly."

Dave couldn't believe John's optimism in the face of danger. He said, "John, we're in serious trouble here! What do we do?"

John thought for a moment and then said, "I remember reading that when facing a bear, you should play dead. It might lose interest and leave us alone."

So, Dave immediately dropped to the ground and lay motionless. The bear, intrigued by this peculiar sight, cautiously approached Dave, sniffed him, and prodded him with a paw.

John, still standing, watched nervously as the bear examined Dave. After a tense moment, the bear turned to John and said, "Hey, John, you think you can help me with this crossword puzzle? I'm stuck on a five-letter word for 'forest animal.'"

John, relieved and surprised, replied, "Sure, Mr. Bear, I'd be happy to help. The word you're looking for is 'moose.'"

The bear smiled and said, "Ah, that's it! Thanks, John. You're a lifesaver!" Then, the bear went on its way, leaving John and Dave in stunned disbelief.

Dave finally got up and said, "John, that has to be the strangest encounter with a bear I've ever seen."

John chuckled and replied, "Well, Dave, you know what they say: 'When life gives you bears, make sure they leave with a smile!'"

And that's the end of the camping adventure with the friendly crossword-solving bear!