Turtle Dove

Story time on Skyscrapers

Perched atop New York's tallest skyscrapers, a thrilling yet nerve-wracking vantage point, David's grip tightened on the metal base, his fear of heights threatening to overwhelm him. Nearby, Ray seemed at ease, sitting near the edge with a nonchalant air, a pizza box casually placed beside her.

"Why in the world did you bring me up here? Couldn't we have found a more grounded spot to talk?" David's voice trembled as he glanced downward, a wave of nausea washing over him.

Ray chuckled, seemingly unperturbed. "Oh, come on, David. This setting sets the perfect mood for our talk. And hey, have a slice." With a casual gesture, she offered him a piece of pizza, a tantalizing aroma wafting from the box. However, David's queasiness made him decline with a shake of his head. He couldn't be sure he wouldn't lose his lunch over the edge.

"I think I'll pass. Feeling a bit queasy up here," David replied weakly, his stomach churning.

Ray, taking another bite of her pizza, tilted her head in sympathy. "Fair enough. So, what do you want to know?"

David's curiosity erupted in a torrent of questions. "Why do you have wings? How did you get them? How long have you had them? And what's the deal with those turtles? Do Mom and Dad know about your wings? Does Mom have wings too?" The questions tumbled out of him in a rush, revealing his pent-up curiosity and concern.

Ray paused, her pizza slice suspended midway between the box and her mouth, as she made an effort to decipher David's rapid-fire inquiry. "Whoa, slow down! How about we take it from the beginning? Starting from scratch might just answer all the questions you're throwing at me," she suggested, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cradling the small baby in her weary arms, Hano's face lit up with an exhausted yet joyful smile. The baby, Ray, lay nestled in slumber, oblivious to her unique nature. Ray was an absolute darling—a vision of innocence with her delicate features, chubby little hands, and tiny fingers. What was particularly striking was the absence of any scar or blemish on her nose, a detail that would render her an entirely normal, healthy baby... if not for the unmistakable signs of her uniqueness: the cascade of white hair that adorned her head and the dainty brown-grey wings that gracefully sprouted from her back.

Any ordinary human doctor would likely gape in astonishment at the sight of a baby with wings, but Hano was fortunate to have a doctor well-versed in the world of yokai—a benevolent cow-yokai named Dr. Vac. The doctor slipped effortlessly into her yokai form, a warm smile gracing her features as she addressed Hano's weariness. "How are we doing, Mama?"

Hano's gaze remained fixed on her peacefully sleeping baby as she replied, "Very well, Dr. Vac. Just a bit tired."

Dr. Vac's smile held a touch of empathy, a reflection of the deep bond she saw between mother and child. Yet, her expression faltered as the weight of the challenges that lay ahead settled upon her. Raising a half-yokai baby in the human realm wouldn't be without its difficulties, especially given the possible absence of the baby's father. Hano, attuned to the doctor's thoughts, reassured her with unwavering determination. "I understand what you're concerned about, Dr. Vac. I realize that caring for this child, particularly in the absence of her father, might pose challenges. But I promise you, I'll do everything within my power to keep her by my side."

Dr. Vac's smile regained its warmth. "I have no doubt about that. Your kindness towards us yokai is a rarity among humans. And as for the father... I'm sorry that he had to make the choice he did."

With a gentle handoff, Dr. Vac passed a book to Hano—a treasure trove of knowledge to guide Ray's understanding of her yokai heritage. The book also contained instructions on how to nurture her unique abilities, including the art of flight. "That little dove is blessed with wings; she might as well learn to fly," Dr. Vac remarked before departing, leaving Hano deep in thought.