The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 1

Darkness. Absolute darkness.

That was the first thing the little bird ever knew about the world. It was the only thing he knew. That and silence. There was nothing but darkness and silence. Of course, it wasn't always quiet. He could hear something that sounded like a soft murmur due to the protective shell wall muffling everything and cramming him in a small and tight space. But he could still hear. The sound he really liked was gentle and kind like a summer breeze. It was one of the first sounds he had ever heard.

Now there was a new sound ringing in the youngster's ears. It was like the roar of a thousand grizzlies or a gigantic waterfall cascading down rapidly from a precipitous cliff. The egg shell containing the little bird could barely muffle the loud noise. Even the darkness was barely there as flashes of light danced inside the small space. All the while though, he could hear the gentle sound, comforting and calm. It may have appeared to be dark and scary at the moment but the little bird wasn't afraid. He knew someone or something was out there, watching over him.

Someone or something waiting anxiously to see him.

And he couldn't wait to see them too. Having enough with the cramped space and the darkness and the silence, the little bird began the long process of breaking free from his confinement. It wasn't long until he was able to see true light for the first time just as the air filled with another thundering roar. Unfazed, the small newborn continued on through his quest and finally entered the great big world.