Summertime

By Jennifer Douglas

Today was like any other summer day. I sat, perched on the Jones’s flag pole as I watched the people walk in and out of their little corner shop. One by one carrying bags of battered fish and chips, the grease making the paper transparent. I watched and waited, following them with my eyes as they chose their spot on the soft beige sand. It always went the same; those stupid humans would always end up feeling as though they had to feed me. After what seemed like a decade of waiting I decided to make my move. I flew down on them, feeling the air rustle my wings, I landed just centimetres away. I pulled my leg up, hid it under my mangled feathers, hobbled towards them and let out a soft chirp.

They both turned as if I was an injured puppy, their eyes turned soppy and they let adoring noises escape their mouths. Stupid humans. I waddled closer letting my feet brush the edge of the warm paper. It sent waves of warmth up and down my body. They would soon understand what I wanted; I just had to be patient. I looked down at those perfectly crisp chips browned to perfection then back at the little girl that sat crossed-legged prodding her mother. With every inch I took, then back at the chips, by this time my mouth was salivating. The girl plunged her chubby fingers into the greasy packet on the floor, her hands holding one perfect chip. My heart raced, I had never broken someone so quickly! I must have become better at this! She raised her arm and as she was about to crack and release the chip to me, her mother, a pleasant looking lady, squealed: “No! If you feed him more will come!” I felt my eye twitch; I let out a threatening screech! How could she do this to me? I was obviously hungry or at least looked as though I was.

I felt my wings unfold as I leapt into the air snatching the chip right out of her hands. I threw it all down at once. The crispy edges skimmed my throat and the warmth filled my body, beak to talons. Fireworks went off in my mind. I flew as fast as my wings could take me back to my safe haven. The mother looked as though I had just transformed, typical human underestimating my powers. Everyone always thought I was so fragile like all of my brothers and sisters, but not me! I was a warrior, built for speed! I pushed my wings through the air gaining speed. The chip’s warmth was slowly fading. I would soon be back for more.

I landed on my flag and smirked at them. I won. I always win.