what is a bond of love ? what is needed in a relationship of love

A bond of love is one where individuals are attached to each-other not out of compulsory observance of a relation or by the bonds of blood, but out of sheer love and care for each-other. In the story, the narrator's wife and the bear are bound to each-other because they love and care for each-other, which is why both of them experience excessive depression on being separated from each-other. A relationship of 'love' requires just that, love, care and understanding.