Short Fiction Blog

Borate finally got his chance to meet Shana a few days later. He was contemplating where to find his next meal while basking in the sun on a hill outside the village, when a sound disturbed him.

Shana gasped upon site of Borate, her face a mixture of awe and trepidation. Instead of running away as others have done, she came closer.

Borate watched while she stuck one tiny hand forward. He stayed perfectly still, not wanting to scare her. She buried her hand in the down of his wing, smiling at the luxurious feel. While Borate continued to watch, her whole being lit.

The soft yellow glow, which surrounded the sick and wounded she tended to, was encompassing them. Borate felt peace he’d never experienced overtake his being. He marveled at the feeling, relishing the comfort it brought, before breaking the spell by speaking.

“Hello, little one,” he quietly intoned.

Shana jumped slightly at the sound of his voice, but didn’t back away.

Looking at him closely, she replied, “Hello, great one.” Running her hands down his chest, she added, “You are very beautiful.”

Not comfortable being petted any longer, Borate stood upright. Shana backed away slightly at sight of his increased presence.

She didn’t stay away long though. Turning her gaze away from his face, she scanned down, becoming more animated.

“Oh,” she squealed. “Your belly is the same color as the sky!” Walking right under Borate, she reached up on tiptoes to touch his stomach before continuing, “How marvelous!”

Borate chuckled, “And your hair is the color of the sun,” bending down to rub his chin against the soft curls.

“I guess that means we go together,” Shana solemnly stated. “One cannot exist without the other.”