Short Story Drabble 4/12/25 All the Birds Suddenly Fall Silent
"Cheep! CHE—" Between beginning and end of a chirp, all the birds suddenly fall silent. Next, branches no longer rustled in the wind. My lips moved but I heard not my voice. Never more 'Love you', no 'What's for dinner?', or 'Honk!' of angry car horns.
We grope through silence like drowning swimmers, a famine of music, laughter, nature. Our world diminished; our lives lessened. I cried till bereft of tears.
I watch the chick peck through the shell and crawl out. Beak opened mutely, calling the hen, who answered not. Again, the soundless chirp. Then "Cheep!"
My tears drop on it.
