The Elm Street Bear

Limited Edition art prints available

On a Saturday afternoon in Ipswich, Elm Street buzzed with weekend activity. Outside the Tavern Arcade there was a rather charming trio: Geoffrey, a rather cheerful man with a friendly face, his partner, a spirited woman named Gloria; and their most distinguished guest, a bear named Noah, who was wearing an immaculate Oxford blue sweeter that would make even the most fashion conscious gentlemen green with envy.

Noah sat back in his chair, cradling a large cup of coffee with his massive paws, looking every bit the part of a refined bear-about-town.

“Quite the marvellous day for some Danish pastries and a spot of coffee, wouldn’t you agree?” Noah said, lifting the cup to his mouth and taking a delicate sip, a look of pure delight spreading across his furry face.

“Absolutely,” Geoffrey replied, trying to suppress a grin. “Though I’m still a bit baffled as to how you manage to drink without spilling half of it. Those paws of yours are larger than my head!”

Noah chuckled, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. “Ah, my dear friend, it’s all in the technique! One must cultivate grace even when encumbered by paws.”

Just then, a red-haired woman sat near by, let out a gasp, she was utterly absorbed in an interesting looking novel. A moment later, another woman, sporting strikingly similar red locks and a warm grey hat, and long silky blue scarf strode past their table, blissfully oblivious to the furry gentleman sipping coffee.

“Did you see that one?” Gloria pointed toward the strolling woman. “Not even a glance! You’d think a bear drinking coffee and stuffing his face with pastries would be worth a second look!”

“Perhaps she has bear blindness!” Noah suggested, “Or simply hasn’t developed an appreciation for the finer things in life—like coffee with bears!”

Gloria laughed. “Maybe we should start a petition for bear-friendly cafés. Imagine the headlines: ‘Teddy Bears Invade Ipswich!’”

“Ah, but we must be cautious,” Noah replied with mock seriousness. “I wouldn’t want to start a craze; people might begin leaving honey out on their tables. I’d be forced to eat with my hands!”

Just then, the red-haired woman at the next table looked up from her book, a hint of curiosity playing across her face. “Is that a bear drinking coffee?” she asked, her voice dripping with incredulity.

“I’d prefer to be called a ‘gentle-bear,’ thank you very much!” Noah interjected, puffing out his chest proudly. “Not all bears roam the woods, you know. Some of us are quite refined!”

“That’s madness!” she replied with a laugh, ultimately relinquishing her scepticism. “But I must admit, it’s a rather charming sight.”

“See, I told you!” Gloria exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. “You’re a hit, Noah!”

Noah leaned back, a triumphant smile lighting up his furry face. “My dear friends, if all it takes to brighten people’s day is fashion and coffee, then I shall gladly play the part of the dapper bear!”

“Just promise not to steal my pastries again, okay?” Geoffrey chuckled, raising his cup in a toast.

Noah raised his mug in return. “Only if you promise to keep the coffee and pastries coming. A bear’s got to keep his strength up, after all!”