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RAVEN
TWENTY YEARS AGO
My feet slappedagainst the pavement as I ran, my worn and battered shoes doing nothing to keep the cold from seeping up my legs. My breath fanned out in front of me in the cold night air; my running was the only thing keeping me warm.
I zoomed past darkened doorsteps and storefronts as I raced to my hiding spot, knowing the way by heart. This area of town didn’t have a single streetlight to assist me in my escape as I blended with the shadows. The shadows were my friends, hiding me away from the bad people.
All the scary stuff happened in the daylight. That was when I was truly afraid.
Taking the last corner, I fought the urge to glance back, too scared they’d be right on me. No, it was better to pretend I was safe.
Ducking beneath the tarp covering my hiding spot, I stopped and listened for the sound of footfalls. When I heard nothing, I peeked out, exhaling when it was clear. I’d rather risk capture here than lead them to our spot.
Crawling the rest of the way, I ducked under the stacks of boxes and railings before climbing the ladder to the attic in the old theater. It was filled with mannequins, outdated costumes, and set designs. I hadn’t known what they were, but Otto did, and he’d told me how they were used to bring a story to life.
Late at night, when everyone slept, we’d put on shows by dressing up and making our own stories. My favorites were when I got to vanquish my enemies and then live happily ever after with Otto. He insisted that all of our stories end in a happily ever after so we’d have something to look forward to. I didn’t understand the importance, but I trusted Otto. All I cared about was being with him. I’d be happy as long as we were together.
“That you, Little Bird?” he whispered, coughing, his whole body shaking with the effort.
“Otto! I got you some medicine. It’ll make you better. I promise,” I said, rushing over to him with determination.
He’d huddled under the king’s robe, the heaviest thing I’d been able to find. Despite the layers, his body shook and his teeth chattered. His brown hair stuck to his forehead, and his face was bright red, matching the king’s robe. I placed my hand carefully against his skin as my momma had done. I instantly jerked back at his warmth.
“Oh, Otto,” I whimpered, tears forming. “Here, this will make you better.” I opened the bottle I’d stolen, pouring some red cough syrup into the little cup. Tilting it into his mouth, I watched as he struggled to swallow it. Eventually, he got it all down and I sighed in relief.
“Thanks, Little Bird. Did you have any trouble?” he whispered, his voice hoarse.
I shook my head, tears streaming down my face as I watched my best friend. He lifted his hand, taking mine in his. I placed my other cold hand against his forehead, hoping to cool him off.
“How’s that?” I asked, sniffling.
“No more crying. I’m going to be okay.”
I shook my head, not believing him. “Are you hungry? I can run out and get you something,” I said, mad at myself for not thinking about it earlier.
“I’m good, Doctor.”
I giggled, shaking my head at his joke. “I’m not a doctor, Otto.”
“You’re the best doctor I’ve ever had,” he said earnestly, his gray eyes opening and meeting mine. “Tell me a story, Little Bird. Make it a happy one.”
Sitting back against the wall, I pulled his head into my lap, combing my fingers through his soft hair. He smelled of the peppermints he always carried in his pocket; his familiar scent calmed my racing heart. Watching his face, I retold him one of my favorites.
“... and then Robin Hood punished all the rich for not sharing what they had in abundance, killing them in their beds while they slept.”
“I don’t remember that part,” he whispered, a smile on his face. He’d closed his eyes while I’d been talking, just listening to me.
“Shh, it’s not over,” I said, waiting until he quieted. “The best thing was after Robin killed all the rich baddies and gave the money to the poor, he pulled off his hood and shocked everyone when they realized that Robin was a girl!”
“I can believe it. You’d be a fierce Robin Hood, Little Bird.” He coughed, his whole body shaking. When he finished, he rolled over. “What did Robin do next? What’s her happy ending?”
“Robin takes her share of the money and builds a giant treehouse where she can live with all her friends. That way, Robin is never alone again.”
“But of course. Robin is very popular after saving everyone. She’ll need a lot of friends to keep the bad people away,” Otto added.
“And these friends, they’re the best kind of friends. They never get mad at one another, help each other with their chores, and share everything; that way, no one is ever left out.” I nodded, picturing how nice it would be to be surrounded by friends.
“It sounds perfect, Little Bird. I like your version. I get to live in the treehouse, too, right?” he asked, opening his eyes.
