Maelstrom Extra: Feathered Friend

Sunday, April 18, 2010 reviews (Comments): 7
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He had searched the rooms, the gift shop and the lobby. He had checked the hotel restaurant, to no avail. When Ricky stepped out onto the pool deck, it was with no real expectation that he'd have better luck here. He was about to leave in frustration and search the grounds, when something caught his eye.

There he was. But what was he doing standing in the corner, head tipped back, looking at the rain gutter with a goofy grin on his face?

Ricky walked over. "Nevin."

"Hi, Ricky."

"The equipment is loaded and everyone is on the bus, waiting. What are you—"

Nevin motioned for silence. "You'll scare her."

Ricky looked where Nevin indicated. Behind the rain gutter, he could make out bits of twig and grass, and a few pale feathers. "You're holding up the tour over a bird?"

"It's not just any bird. It's a dove. And she has a nest."

"All birds have nests," Ricky said. "It's what they do."

Nevin turned around. "Don't you see? She made it here, in a dangerous place. The gutter could break and the rain could destroy her eggs. A maintenance person could remove her nest and throw it away. Children playing at the pool could come over and find it, and think it's some kind of game or toy." He turned back to the bird with a sigh of pleasure. "She has faith in the world, Ricky. Isn't that lovely?"

Ricky kicked a pebble in annoyance. Birds didn't have faith, only instincts. And even if this particular bird had faith, what of it? "We don't have time for doves, trusting ones or otherwise. We have a gig to get to."

"Oh, Ricky." Nevin looked at him again, but this time with sadness in his eyes. "Where's your sense of wonder?" Without waiting for an answer, he walked away.

Ricky stood for a moment, looking after him, then glanced up again at the bird. She had shifted on her nest and was now eyeing him calmly, as if she knew she was being talked about and that she was safe.

Amazing, really. How did she know Ricky wouldn't hurt her?

"Good luck to you," he said softly. He walked away smiling.

reviews (Comments): 7

Americanising Desi :

beautiful and well captured :)

http://2short2sweet.blogspot.com/2010/04/wonder-full.html

Lilibeth :

Well said. I enjoy the story and the meaning of the story as well.

Thomma Lyn :

Like Ricky, I'm smiling. :) A lovely story. And that Nevin is such a sweetie, lol.

Dee Martin :

Awe, I love Nevin. And Ricky is not so tough, is he? Loved this. It's good they have some gentle moments :)

Old Egg :

Now this was a real change of pace for my reading of Maelstrom. I had got so used to the bedlam inspired by the group that this warm and fuzzy piece was a real surprise. It has quite calmed me down...for the moment!

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