Favorite Memory;;
'Sani's favorite memory from childhood is a relative one.
She was very sick, and in bed, when one of her friends from the Bluff came to her,
worried.
Are you sick, little one? We worry about you. The mother
Robin straightened out her tail feathers, cocking her head in concern.
No, I am fine, I can assure you, mummy bird.
'Sani gave in response, sighing.
The Robin flapped her wings in annoyance. Why, young
lady! I do believe you are a big fibber!
But I would like to go out and play, mumma bird. The young
Kiamara sounded lonely.
Yes, I know you would, but it is best for you to stay here!
The bird nudges the covers over her chest with her beak.
'Sani snuggled under the covers, looking up at the bird, looking a bit sad.
Can you tell me a story, mumma?
The bird gave 'Sani a look that may have been a sigh.
I suppose I can, young lady...
The forest was quiet. Even the birds had ceased their singing.
The strawberries were ready to harvest, and their delectable scent was in the air.
Suddenly, swans trumpeted a fanfare fit for a king. Bird flitted from tree to tree,
shedding their feathers, the air filling with vibrant color.
'Let the harvest... begin!' Somebody sounded. Then, queer-looking squirrels
climbed down from their leafy homes, carrying bird-nest baskets. On each of
their heads was a crown of flowers. Small, white, strawberry blossoms. They carried
their baskets down to the meadows that were on the bluff, and the harvest began.
Petals from blossoms filled the air, along with the smell of strawberries and plants
and life. It was a huge event, and the noise never seemed to cease. Birds soared
over the field, dropping more baskets to whoever needed them. More and more
animals joined in; chipmunks, badgers, skunks (though the skunks stayed off on
a small corner of the field as to not be spooked and irritate anyone with their smell),
and even a deer came over and gingerly picked a few.
The harvest lasted until sunset, when the swans gave a few last, gentle notes, and the
squirrels, chipmunks, and any other animal that had gone to join in the harvest
retreated, most with numerous baskets of strawberries. All of the animals seemed
tired, but they still had energy in them. They took their picking home to their family,
and in about half an hour the first scent of fresh-baked strawberry-rhubarb pie
began to fill the cool night air. Sooner or later, all of the animals joined together
to have a huge feast, in honor of the strawberry festival. Everyone was well-fed,
happy, and the entire forest had an amazing strawberry harvest that year.
The robin chirped.The... end, little one.
'Sani yawned. .. Do you think that I may go to
the strawberry harvest one year, mumma bird?
Maybe one day, my dear... the bird said,
as the young Kiamara drifted off to sleep.
Presani dreamt of dancing, and lights, and the smells of
strawberries in the air. Along with that smell, there was the sound of laughter,
and the feeling of life glowed inside of her.