Summary

Chapter 1. In first person narration, the bear describes sensations of childhood – missing her mother, being fed by a human, feeling a connection with the wider universe, learning how to find balance again after having something attached to her back legs by the human.

The narrative shifts to the perspective of the adult bear as she describes making her presence felt at a conference that otherwise seems boring and unengaging. During one presentation on the importance of bicycles to the national economy, the narrator speaks in defense of bicycles and their value, continuing in spite of the apparent derision and amusement of the humans listening, one of whom says that mechanization must be promoted and preserved at all costs. Before the bear can offer a rebuttal, the session is adjourned. The bear goes outside, recalling experiences of bullying...