The Frog at the Top of Frosty Mountain

Crossing Grand Avenue

The Author walked for a few blocks before reaching Grand Avenue, which he had to cross if he were to reach Frosty Mountain. Grand Avenue was an endless string of fast cars and big 18-wheel trucks. There was no crossing point on the avenue, nor was there was any traffic light. Everyone did that cross Grand Avenue did so out of pure luck. Those who didn't make it were grinded into the asphalt.

The Author stood on the edge of Grand Avenue to look at the incoming cars. There were so many of them, and the commuters driving them looked just as miserable as he felt. He knew nobody would slow down to let him pass, and that there likely wouldn't have a  long enough break in the traffic that granted him hm enough time to run across. He would have to find his way around the avenue. Or over it.

A flock of pigeons stood by The Author and stared at the incoming cars. The Author looked at them, puzzled, wondering why they were just standing there.

"Excuse me." The Author said, getting the flock's attention. "What are you doing?"

"We're just standing here." Said one of the pigeons.

"Why?"

"Because everyone else spends a lot of time standing here."

"Why would you want to be like everyone else? You guys can fly!"

"You sir, seem like a completely average human being, and thus are incable of one's desire to be completely average. We pigeons don't know what it's like to have an average life. People are always shooing us away and telling us all about the many diseases we supposedly carry. They call use flying rats! Can you believe that?"

"That part about the diseases is actually true." Said another pigeon.

"We will not tolerate being outcasts any longer." The leader pigeon continued. "We will do absolutely everything in our power to make sure we act like your average, normal citizen. If that means standing here looking at passing cars all day, so be it."

"But being normal sucks!" The Author cried out. "I would give anything to be able to fly."

"Anything?"

"Yes. Anything."

"Hm. I've always wanted to go into a department store and fill up a shopping cart with random things. If I help you cross this avenue, will you take me to a store?"

"Sure."

The pigeons cooed in satisfaction knowing that one of their own was about to do something they've been wanting to do for a long time: walk into a human establishment and not be kicked out.

"Alright then." Said the leader pigeon. "Hold out your arms and try to keep as still as you can. You don't look like the lightest fellow."

The Author did as the pigeon requested, and kept still as the bird picked him up with it's talons. After a moment listening to the pigeon's strained grunts, his feet left the ground. Together they soared over the avenue and landed safely on the other side.

"There we are." The pigeon said proudly. "Now, off to the that store you promised me you'd take me to."