Antoine's Curious Collection of Arbitrary Short Stories

Mother's Love

Restless, the word is probably not yet enough to describe how was my mother feeling. She's been awake all night sewing all our clients' clothes. She's a tough woman. Working all by herself for the sake of our family. I couldn't imagine a life without her. If only I could do a thing to at least ease her sufferings.

"Good morning Mom," I greeted her.

She didn't glance and kept her nose in her little world. I decided not to disturb her and make our breakfast.

I fried eggs and bacon and made her favorite tea. After preparation, I call her out with a hug. She was probably startled by my actions that she accidentally pricked her finger with needle.

"I-i'm sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you"

"Don't bother," she responded coldly.

"I made you breakfast, you should eat and have some rest. You've been working all night," I suggested.

"I'll eat when I get hungry," she muttered, averting my gaze.

"But— all right Mom," I surrendered.

After eating, I washed the dishes and scoot back to my room. I opened the window for fresh air. It's my favorite season; a time were flowers bloom wonderfully. I took the watering pot beside the window to water the plants. I was perfectly preoccupied watering these dainty creatures when my vision caught something. A bird? Recognition pops in my mind. It's a small bird lying on the ground. Its wings are torn with spikes. I left the room quickly and took the poor bird in. I use a pair of tweezers and slowly took off the spikes.

"Thank you," said the bird after I finished treating its wound.

Wait did it talk?

"WHAT!?" I mouthed in surprise.

"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for saving my life. In return I will be granting you anything that you'd ask," the bird spoke.

"WHAT????" I replied, still in state of shock.

"I didn't mean to cause you any mental turmoil. You're probably mystified by my abilities to talk. But I was in such hurry that I needed to know now what favor you'd like from me in return" explained the bird.

"A wish? Uh? Wait,"

The bird looks at me displeased.

"Anything my dear," the bird added.

"I want my mother to be happy!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, I'm going to have an extra baggage," the bird said in realization.