Black Bird
Updated: Dec 5, 2020
I pressed my palm against the trembling birch tree and paused, letting the chilled air restore my lungs. I refused to not walk these trails, even in the bitter winter.
When my children and theirs come to visit for the Christmas holidays, they sometimes accompany me. But they had other plans this year. I hiked alone this year.
I set off walking again. I smiled at the forest. I pursed my lips, whistled a tuneless cry, and waited. Three footsteps later, a familiar blackbird answered with a song of its own.
Yes; alone this winter, but not lonely; not out here.
#FLASHFICTION101 NOVEMBER 2020 SHORTLISTED ENTRY
November's #FlashFiction101 shortlist is made up of 23 stories, with one story being released daily as an advent calendar of festive flash fiction. Look out for a new story every day with the winning entry being announced on the 24th December 2021.
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