By: Liam Hogan.

The soft whirr of wings and an emerald flash announce the bird as she settles on a nearby branch. Knees creak as I gently ease myself up, though she won’t fly away.

Where could she go?

With stiff, awkward fingers, I turn the tiny golden key in her feathered chest. Once, twice, three times; careful not to overwind. The little bird dips her head before launching into the embrace of air on a trill of soaring notes, moving too fast to follow.

I retake my seat, perfectly silent and perfectly still, wishing that someone would do the same for me.

© 2025. Liam Hogan

Liam Hogan is an award-winning short story writer, with stories in Best of British Science Fiction and in Best of British Fantasy (NewCon Press). More details at happyendingnotguaranteed.blogspot.co.uk

Posted January 29, 2025.