Twisted Wonderland 2

Strangers Like Me

You sit atop a smooth, flat rock and sketch a bird perched on a nearby low hanging branch. It's a chonky little bird that has a blue head and back with a black face and throat and has a white belly. You thought the bird looks cute so you decide to draw it during your break.

On his way back to camp, Silver spots you drawing. He curiously watches as you sketch with a bright smile on your face. For some reason, Silver feels drawn to you. As if some invisible string is pulling him closer.

Every gesture, every move that she makes me feel like never before. Silver walks over to you. Why do I have this growing need to be beside her?

He stands beside you and you greet him with a kind smile. "Hey, Silver."

"Hello, Y/N." Silver gestures with a nod to your sketchbook. "If I may ask, what are you drawing?"

You show him the sketch of the bird. It's a basic sketch with a little shading added. "I just started so it doesn't look like much yet."

"Can you show me when you finish?" Silver asks.

You nod with a smile. "Of course."

Silver softly smiles to you. "I look forward to seeing it."

You glance back to the bird only to watch it fly away. Sighing, you slump your head against your hand. "Aw, man."

Silver tilts his head. "What's the matter?"

"Oh, it's just the bird flew away before I could finish adding the details." You sadly put your sketchbook and pencils in your bag. "I know animals don't stay in one spot for very long, but I just thought I could draw it fast enough."

Silver glances to the direction the bird flew to. Not wanting to see you upset, an idea occurs to him.

Silver holds a hand out to you. "Come with me."

Silver leads you to an incredibly massive tree. Looking up, you can't even see the top of the tree. You cling to Silver's shoulders as he climbs the tree. You and Silver push past the canopy and what you see takes your breath away.

Hundreds of birds of different kinds flutter around you. The sky is alive with movement, the birds swirling and dancing together in perfect harmony. The air is full of a symphony of chirps, tweets, and whistles. Their feathers shimmer in the sunlight, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. You even see more of the blue birds you were drawing.

Silver helps you sit down on a wide branch. You watch the birds, completely captivated. Your eyes sparkling with awe. Silver stands beside you, watching your reaction with fascination, as though the birds are no longer the marvel but you are.

You smile brightly. "This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It's so beautiful..."

Silver nods, his gaze still focused on you. "Yes. Very beautiful..."

One of the blue birds flutters over, landing on the branch in front of you. It tilts its head and hops closer. You gently bring a hand close and the bird hops onto your finger.

You can't help but laugh. "Oh my goodness, aren't you the cutest little thing."

You use a finger to pet the little bird's back. It chirps a happily melody. Other birds gather around as well. Some land on your shoulders and lap, one even landing on your head. You laugh as the bird peeks upside down at you. A couple fly to Silver and land on his shoulders.

Something else catches the birds attention and they fly away, their wings tossing your hair around. With a laugh, you smooth your hair down. You and Silver sit side by side, the world around you filled with life. The birds come and go, their chatter and calls mixing with the soft rustling of the leaves.