Tommy wandered aimlessly, his small figure dwarfed by the towering trees surrounding him. His eyes were wide with a mix of awe and fear as he tried to retrace his steps back to his family. "Mom? Dad?" he called out, his voice trembling and barely audible above the rustling leaves.

Bruno approached cautiously, his massive paws barely making a sound on the soft earth. The boy's scent was unfamiliar, yet innocent. "Who... who are you?" Tommy whispered, taking a step back. But there was no malice in Bruno's gaze, only curiosity and a surprising gentleness.

Bruno sat down, his presence calming the forest around them. He let out a soft grunt, almost like a purr, and Tommy felt an unexpected wave of comfort wash over him. "You're not going to hurt me, are you?" Tommy asked, inching closer. "No harm," seemed to be the silent promise in Bruno's eyes as he nudged a fallen branch out of the boy's path with his nose.

Bruno led Tommy to a small clearing where they could see the stars peeking through the canopy. The bear stood guard, his senses alert for any danger lurking in the darkness. "Will we be okay?" Tommy asked, settling beside the warm fur of his protector. Bruno huffed softly, a sound that Tommy took as reassurance.

Tommy's parents, frantic and exhausted, stumbled into the clearing, their faces lighting up with relief at the sight of their son safe and sound. "Mom! Dad!" Tommy cried out, running into their arms. Bruno watched from a distance, his mission fulfilled as he slowly retreated into the forest, the bond between him and the boy a silent testament to the extraordinary night they shared.

Tommy turned back one last time, hoping to catch a glimpse of his furry guardian. Though Bruno was nowhere in sight, Tommy felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that the bear of the Ozark Forest would always watch over him. "Thank you, Bruno," he whispered to the trees, a promise of friendship sealed by the forest itself.