My Creepypasta Book

A Man And His Owl

I hate trees. Especially skinny ones. Whenever I see a tree that looks even the slightest bit too skinny or twisted, it's almost enough to make my heart rate jump from 80 beats to 160 in a nanosecond. The fact of the matter is that trees have become the very bane of my existence ever since I was a teenager. There was an event that happened to me involving a dark forest near my home and two creatures that I cannot explain that has left a permanent scar in my mind and on my heart.

When I was sixteen, I was fascinated with nature and all of it's creatures. However, birds were the animals that I loved the most. Every time I took a walk into the forests of Illinois, I would find all types of birds from ravens to cardinals. Sometimes, I would even stand in the middle of he forest with my right arm stretched out, waiting for a bird to land on it. Surprisingly, this tactic worked on a couple of barn owls. I even got to move my arm close to my face and pet them a little before sending them off into the skies. It's times like those that make me wish I had never encountered "it".

One day, when I was walking through the forest, I decided to try and have some birds land on me again. I went to my usual bird-watching area and held out my right arm. I stood there for what felt like hours, even though, in reality, it was probably just a few minutes. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, almost dosing off right then and there. Just then, I heard a squawk and quickly opened my eyes. I looked over to my right arm to find myself face to face with what was probably a mythical creature on my arm. I had attracted a black barn owl.

I almost screamed in joy at finding such a rare animal, especially on a day like this since my parents weren't home. I very slowly brought my arm to my face and petted the dark avian. It seemed to almost smile when I did that. I then asked it a question, like a child talking to their stuffed animals.

"Hey. Want to come home with me for a while?"

Shockingly, the owl nodded as if it understood me. I smiled and started my walk home with the owl now on my shoulder. While I was walking, I decided to talk to it more. I asked it if it was male or female. It then moved it's wing in the shape of what would be the medical symbol for a female. I nodded and kept walking while talking.

"You know, seeing as your feathers are tinged black and you're female, I think I'm going to call you Umbra."

The shadowy bird squawked in agreement. I looked up and saw that the sun was staring to set. I high-tailed it out of the forest before anyone or anything could attack us. Soon, I made back home with Umbra in tow. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, turning on the lights.

"Well, welcome home," I said, inviting Umbra in. She flew off my shoulder and on top of the T.V. I walked over to the kitchen to fix myself something to eat. I asked her if she had eaten anything before she found me. She nodded. I smiled, glad that she wouldn't have to go too soon. Eventually, I came out of the kitchen with a turkey sandwich and some mandarin oranges. I sat on the couch and was about to reach for the remote before I realized it was on the T.V. stand. I was going to get up and get it, but all of a sudden, Umbra picked it up in her claws and flew it over to me. I grabbed it and she landed on my leg and gave me a smile. I smiled back and petted her before turning on the T.V.

After an hour of watching T.V. I eventually got a call from my parents telling me that they were almost home. I told them that I would leave the door open for them and they agreed. I hung up and looked down at Umbra.

"Well, I think it's time for you to head home. Could I possibly be able to find you in the forest, again?"

She smiled and nodded, happily.

"That's good," I said with enthusiasm.

I went over to the door and walked outside with Umbra on my arm. I petted her one last time before sending her off back to the forest.