In the branches above the clearing, flames were reflected in the dark and shining eyes of two small faces. Beneath the eyes, bright bills stood closed and still. About them, black masks turned to red feathers. The two watched, huddled and silent as the figure burned and the shed about him collapsed and became only fire.
They sat and they waited, tiny sides rising and falling with their breaths, and when the song reached them from afar they parted their bills and called in return. The call came, and they responded, and in time the distant calls grew closer.
As the light of dawn bloomed above them and the first distant sirens sounded, a third joined the two in the reaching branches. The bright colored thing lighted upon the branch and regarded them, head cocked and curious.
In time the third inserted his body between the two. Joined, they chattered and each watched as the shed and the home beyond the trees smoldered, dark smoke curling into the sky like a departing soul.
YOU ARE READING
Song, Unheard
Horror***Featured in Fright Profile*** Life has been different lately. She feels a growing sense of dread and wishes for things to be normal. His drinking is out of control. The child seems frightened and withdrawn. And then come the birds. Strange b...
