The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 70

Waking up from yet another nightmare about a month later, Tiberius screeched in absolute terror. He opened his eyes but was only welcomed to darkness. Due to the injury on his right eye, Dr. Laura Green had given Alfred a hood to place over the hawk's head. That way, it would protect it from any further damage. His right wing and left foot had been placed into casts. According to the kind vet, he would be as good as new in a matter of months. However, there was nothing she could give the hawk for the pain he felt in his heart. In fact, it was beyond repair.

Drawing in shaky breaths, Tiberius just then heard footsteps approaching his shed. And they weren't Alfred's. Frightened that it could quite possibly be the hairless cat again, the red tailed hawk limped towards the back of the shed. He pressed his body against the wall as he heard the door open. The footsteps approached him. Shaking all over now, the hawk squeezed his eyes shut when the hood was pulled off his head. However, it was more of a gentle pull rather than a harsh tug. Then a familiar voice spoke softly, "My condolences dear friend."

"Sleet?" Tiberius mumbled, opening his left eye. Sure enough, the ancient bald eagle stood over him. A sorrowful look glistened in her pale yellow eyes as she lowered her head and nuzzled his cheek. Closing his eye quietly, the hawk gave off a small purr. The eagle purred in return, hers slightly louder as she laid down. The two friends huddled beside each other, one expressing their sorrow for the other's loss. Forcing himself not to cry, Tiberius whispered softly, "Thank you Sleet. I needed this."

"Me too. We're... we're leaving Central Park..." Sleet replied, a hint of wistfulness in her raspy voice. His left eye widening in shock, Tiberius exclaimed, "Why?!"

"We've been getting attacked. Some speculate it's the Alley Cats, others are blaming Striker."

"But you're moving?!"

"We've lost fifty two birds already. At least five from each species and twenty seven of them being nestlings."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm thinking Canada, a few miles north of Buffalo and the border."

"That's so far away..."

"I know."

"So... why are you here?"

"I came to ask if you would want to come with us."

"I can't."

"Eddie could carry you."

"No Sleet, I can't. I belong here..."

"I had a feeling you would say that."

"Guess this is goodbye then."

"Goodbyes aren't forever Tiberius. Not saying goodbye is," Sleet whispered softly. Nuzzling the red tailed hawk's cheek, she murmured, "Goodbye my friend. We'll see each other again. I'm sure of it." Gazing up at the ancient bald eagle standing beside him, the hawk mumbled, "Goodbye Sleet." Smiling quietly while sadness gleamed in her eyes, the eagle nuzzled him one last time before turning away and walking out of the shed. Watching his other best friend fly away from the roof and into the night, Tiberius curled up into a tight ball and covered his head with his wing, drowning the world out.