Despite my best coaching I just knew that he'd be nervous. So I followed S to the deceptively large surrounds of Fawkner Park. Making your way through a big city is scary when you are a little bear, but fortunately my buddies at the Alfred told me exactly how to get there.

It was a sunkissed afternoon, but a bayside southwesterly made the day cooler than it looked. L's hair was tied back and she wore a very smart and snuggly looking jacket, S wore denim and a beige jumper with sleeves which he was unconsciously forever rolling up or down.

They walked leisurely towards prahran, discussing the views from football grounds and what kinds of people live in apartments that pedestrians could obviously see into. A quick interlude of spritzy mineral water also happened - served on large comfortable seats and purchased from a man very passionate about his cocktails.

An upstairs darkened theatre called 'the spot' was home to the evening's main event - a night of theatresports hosted by the hilarious Impro Melbourne. Fortunately there were lots of secluded corners for little bears to hang out! Before the show, they talked about volunteering and S thought that L's smile was lovely.

After some cameos by musical principals, some suicidal window washers, and an account of a toddler's invisible friend, L offered to walk S back to South Yarra station.

Along the way, they mused about the beauty of Gippsland and the niceties of being in a park.

It was getting cold and S looked like he could use a big bear hug, fortunately L sensed this and shared a warm friendly goodbye hug when they bid each other adieu. :)

I said a quick goodbye to my Alfred Children's Ward buddies, and then snuck my way back to kings park. Mission complete :)

x H