{ Feathers Descend }

Chapter Two

When Matias's birthday rolled around. Her loss still fresh and new. After his death she hadn't touched a brush in months — she couldn't think about art, nothing filled the void that had taken her into its grasp. She slipped her shoes on slowly, carelessly. She choked on a sob, remembering Matias's lifeless eyes staring into hers.

She walked to Death Leap. No one turned to her, no one dared to talk her out of it. Her legs dangled over the railing, as she looked down at the rushing and roaring river below her.

"See you soon, Matias." She said in a soft tone. Her voice snagged on her sob. She took in a breath, staring at the water below her.

She tilted forward. A moment before she dropped, the screeches of crows filled the crisp air. A crow landed on her shoulder, then an entire murder was sitting on her railing. They looked deep into her eyes, as if they cared.

She stared back into their beady eyes, as they stared back into hers. Carmina believed that these crows cared about her well-being. Her dark impulse tipped her over the edge, letting go of the railing with one hand. They all began cawing loudly. Carmina paused, and the crows went quiet. She watched them as she swung her legs onto the opposite side. Her feet touching down onto the bridge stone. The crow on her shoulder took flight, cawing.

The crows flew off, but Carmina now felt like she mattered. Like she wasn't alone anymore. The crows saved her life. It was truly a surreal experience.

Carmina swung her door open, motivation tingling in her fingers. She picked up a brush and ink well. Carmina then pulled out a empty canvas and began swiping the brush in long strokes. Her brush touched the stark white surface, as she dragged the bristles against it in confidence.