Magpie. Is that the most beautiful bird ever? I can picture it in my mind, iridescent black and white wings spread wide as it soars over the treetops. I’m not imaginative; I can’t weave fantastical stories from pure fabrication like my sister Thalia can, but I can remember clearly things I’ve actually seen. I remember when I saw a magpie once, fluttering down onto a branch high in a tree above me, something gold winking in the light in its beak. Thalia said that the magpie was probably going to push the eggs of another bird out of the nest and then steal its nest. I think Thalia lies a lot.

Wolf-Magpie has a voice made of safe hideaways and warm hugs, to match her angelic appearance. And she’s so kind. I haven’t heard much kindness in the world since I got separated from mum. Life is kind of scary and people ignore or snap at me a lot, which is okay as long as they’re not actually attacking me. This is the first time someone’s shown concern over my wellbeing since – since my family. She’s so genuine, too. Her forehead has creased slightly into a little frown, which is so cute but makes me worry about what it might mean. Does she not want to be around me anymore? Is she bored of me? Thalia says a boredom competition is the only one I could win.

“I – yeah.” I say, not really sure what I’m agreeing to. I just want to agree with everything she says, to make her happy. “Yeah, I’m… I’m great.”

I meant to say ‘I’m okay’. God. Could I sound any more like an idiot?

I can imagine Thalia in my head, reminding me that I am an idiot. Okay, Thalia.

Besides, even if I was hurt, I’d pretend I wasn’t because I wouldn’t want Magpie to go anywhere. This leads me to another terrible thought: now that she’s been able to discern that I’m actually fine, will she pat herself on the back and just trot off? Maybe I should pretend to be hurt… but then, I suck at acting. I know! I’ll just strike up a conversation with her. That’s right. If we’re conversing, she won’t walk off.

I lift my gaze from the floor and meet her soft eyes again. Immediately, I forget all words.

For crying out loud.

“Um…” I scrape at the mud with my paw and shiver. The water has chilled my bones; I was too busy staring at Magpie before to notice. “Are you here for the party?”

LEFTERIS
homeless two year-old cub. bugs suck.