Flight

Chapter Five - Do you know Kevin?

Mr. Columbus really did take his time to finish what he is or will be doing, which I forgot what it is. Because for the time that he was gone I was able to know a lot about Kevin. I mean, we get along and you get the idea. He immediately notices that I was not one of them, or was I a new bird in their place.

“I haven’t seen you here before,” he says.

“Yes, it’s my first time going here,” I reply.

He keeps quiet and just stares at me. Suddenly I have this feeling that I have to say something to him. So, I told him my story and what had happened. While I tell my story, he was listening with keen interest and attentively nods from time to time. It’s like he totally understands everything. The only thing lacking is him saying ‘I knew it!’. He didn’t even flinch or didn’t even get surprised when I told him that I’m not a real bird. I am a person and I was saved from the accident. After my story he suddenly says goodbye and remembers he have something very important to do.

“Nice meeting you, Abby Anne. See you soon!” says Kevin. After that, he is gone.

I didn’t go back to my room at the hospital because I know they have left me already by this time. Sooner or later they would realize I’m gone from that hospital bed. No one was in my room anyway the first night I woke up. There was no sign of anybody that might have been taking care of me as well. A little later, Mr. Columbus comes back. He is very well ready to introduce me now to his family and the life as a bird.

* * *

It’s been weeks that I am enjoying being a bird. I love flapping my wings around and just being carefree. We have this routine with Mr. Columbus, Kevin and the rest of the pigeons every morning to take tour of different places in the city. We also went to the hospital where I was born and went near to the windows. I didn’t know that they are doing it on purpose just to enlighten the moods of people in the hospital. I see a sick girl smile and wave at us. I try to wave back to the girl but I think she didn’t notice. I also usually hang out with Kevin since he’s the second one I met on the island as a bird. And Mr. Columbus is one busy pigeon.

After taking tour in the city we would go back to the island to rest and eat. Today we are gathered at the ‘Great Hall of Tree Trunk’, more like a coliseum with stage and everything. We are having a show and it’s almost starting—it is a usual event done here. They would tell different interesting stories that each bird had encountered. It is like watching the daily news really, it’s just that this is far more entertaining. Little chicks would have a dance presentation in between the dull moments. Currently, a group of little scout ducklings are performing a play. They have Mr. Doodles—a big fat turkey as their mom. They follow him around as he gives orders, as they wave their bums. I don’t get avian jokes at the moment but watching them is still funny. Emphasis on really funny!

The audience flaps their wings as the little scout ducklings bow on stage. It is like clapping our hands but with the use of wings. Next, a familiar pigeon goes to the center of the stage. Kevin is almost starting on his share of story. What I don’t know is that we have something similar with each other.

“I’m human just like our new friend there Abby Anne,” Kevin says.

I blush—not really—as I hear my name from the stage. I am shocked. Other birds immediately look at my direction. At the same time! He clears his throat. Stares go back to Kevin. And then he continues to tell his story.

Kevin has no family. He was a blind kid who ran away from his ruthless foster father. He had a hard time living in the streets. He also had an accident just like me. And then Mr. Columbus came and took him and offered him the same thing—to fly. Not to mention to see the world as well. And then he stayed that way. Why I just know about this right now?

“It was the best thing that happened to me. I met new friends,” he pauses, looks afar and straight ahead then suddenly turns to me, “and I belong to a real family now,” he adds, nodding. I can only imagine him smiling even though I don’t know his human face. The audience flaps their wings again as Kevin goes inside the back stage. His smile snapped my imagination and brings me back to reality. My family! How are they doing? How long have I been gone again? How come I didn’t see them or remember them on our city tours. And my friends! Do they still remember me as well?