Short story

Ping! The bb bullet races past me and hits the window. I quickly flap my wings to dodge it, trying to fly down the hall to get away from my cruel owner. Suddenly another shot echoes out and everything goes black! My name is William. William Gold Wings to be exact. But you can just call me Will for short. I’m not one of those ugly two legged types or the furry four legged type either. I’m a Indian ringneck and here’s my story that might just shock you.

I woke up in agony from the second shot. The pellet had got me in the crook of my wing. I wiggled the tip of my wing and stretched it out. A shot of pain macerates my arm and I gave a low moan of agony as my wing flopped on to the wood surface. I looked around the room and noticed the whole house was peaceful. My owner must be out with his gang. Finally I could rest and have a break from cruelty.

Without warning, the eerie silence was broken by a sharp tapping sound from the window. It stopped then started up again. Strange. Sometimes the neighbours cat comes over and scratches at the window but this time it was rapid short taps not a screeching sound. I hopped down to the window from my position on top of the dresser and looked out. Nothing. I turned around and then all of a sudden the window popped open and a blast of fresh air nearly knocked me off my feet. I squawked and turned back to the window and looked out. BOO!!! A hawk jumped up onto the window sill. I had a second to think. Oh no! and the world once again falls into blackness. I really need to toughen up.

Coming back to reality, a pair of inquisitive eyes looked down at me from a long beak. I  I flattened myself against the wall.

“Hello mate!”

Before me stood a huge hawk with a funny expression in his eyes as he peered at me. I flattened myself to the wood frame of the window and stutted at him.

“Please don’t hurt me.”

“Did you think I was going to hurt you” he boomed with a hurt expression.

“Well um” I stutted, “you are sort of large and don’t you kind of ...eat our kind in the wild.

“Oh! that’s only 99% of our kind. I ‘m not like that at all. I spotted you through the window when I was flying over.You were being shot at.”

“Right” I said and “Why should I trust you?”

Because he said in a lower voice,

“I will help you escape!”

“What” I squawked! “I have to mend my wings to do that.”

“I’ll help you fly” he said. “You can ride on my back.”

I thought of the life of cruelty and then for the chance for freedom. I grabbed at the opportunity.

“Deal” I squawked!

“Hop on.”

I jumped on his back and hung my good wing around his neck. As the hawk spread out his wings, a feeling of adrenaline filled me and finally lifted out into the sea of azure blue.