Atalanta's Life (Greek Mythology)

I remember my father, but only faint memories surface. I remember him taking me to the mountainside, his lips pressed in a hard line, leaving me to die of cold and hunger. I was young and couldn't fend for myself. Just a helpless creature, watching her only hope, her father, fade quickly into the distance.

I remember the bitter cold wind pinching my skin. I remember hearing a faint purr aproach me, and a soft nose brushing my forehead. She was my only mother. The bear that Artemis, goddess of the moon and the Hunt, sent to save me. That just proves how much kinder animals are than people.
The bear lifted me onto her back. My little hands grabbing her soft, warm fur for support.
She led me back to her cave, where i would live. Night quickly fell onto our backs with burden as I buried my cold face into her fur, unitentionally falling asleep.

As she cared for me, I grew up into a daring little girl with a wild heart stopping at nothing. I always graciuosly thanked my mother for every act of kindness she did for me. I knew I was lucky, so did Artemis. Artemis had saved me too, I often found times during the day to thank her on my knees, always offering half of my meal that my mother had hunted down.

I remember the hunters coming to the cave. I remember their shocked gazes, staring intently at me and my bear care-giver. They inched closer, holding out a hand, promising me a wonderful life back in their town, if I would only come with them.
I kissed my only mother good-bye, and took the hunter's hand.