Paradox - Robin and Bluebird

by Kodokami in Texas

“See there?” said the Crow. “The Robin sits alone, on a branch cold grown. She waits for an answer she hopes to hear, from the heart of a bluebird she loves so dear.”

Through the snow and the wind did Stephen indeed see a robin. Higher still, lukewarm and secure in a hollow of the tree, sat the Bluebird. His eyes gazed into oblivion.

“Across the howling wind the young Robin calls to him, 'I wish I could come with you.' The Bluebird, stoned and layered, replies—”

“Someday,” said Stephen, the word arising from a place deep within. Paradox's eyes flashed and he continued.

“Her frail heart bleeds as young Robin pleads, 'I am very cold. Can I not come up?' And the Bluebird replies. . . .”

“Someday.”

“'Please!' she cries. 'I need somewhere to stay!' Or I'll die.”

“Someday,” mirrored Stephen the Bluebird.

Unseen tears were now visible as salty crystals on the tiny bird's eyes. She ruffled her feathers and allowed the light to fade, allowed the darkness to begin its course.

“Bluebird,” she whispered, her spirit becoming one with the Espers, “Will you ever know?”

A name flickered in his mind and the sobs now came as Stephen answered a final time, “Someday.” His heart cried in tune with that of the young robin, shattering the hidden memory block that kept him from his love. He cried out her name, releasing the pain, then screamed his rage to the mountains; no one could hear him in the blizzard anyhow, save for Paradox, who watched silently from his post, his eyes glinting mysteriously.

“Lauren,” breathed Stephen, kneeling in the snow, “I'm so sorry.”

Minutes passed. The howling gusts of wind and quiet sobs from Stephen were the only noise to be heard. Eventually he stood, wiping away the snow that stuck to his maroon face. He sniffed, staring at the dead tree before him, then said aloud, “I've seen enough. Take me elsewhere now.”

“As you wish,” replied the Crow with a smirk.