A Christmas Miracle

Fred was a scared little Budgie, a look of wild fear danced in the darkness of his eyes. Every time anybody tried to get close, he would scream until they left him alone. He tried to get close to people before but they broke his heart “never again” he vowed in the mysterious silence of his mind “will I make that mistake again”. The bitter sting of loneliness was more appealing than ever trusting again. Scaly face mites burrowed deep into his face, nothing had got rid of them yet & everybody was tired of trying. Life thus far was encased in a tiny barren cage, when he was younger it felt like the bars were closing in on him, but after all these years they felt like the only thing that kept him safe. They tried to get him out once, but he was just too used to staying in, no toys, no fun. Just as little Fred felt like life was over, he gazed at the night sky through a crack in the curtains, to its jewel peppered darkness he made a wish. The next morning some strangers appeared at the door, gathering around his cage they explained how they had been on a long drive to get here. Then Fred realized, it was time for a new home again. With a heavy heart he closed his eyes & felt this chapter fade. He did like his new home, there were lots of Birds around who welcomed him, but he promised himself to never trust again. His mummy spoke so kindly & told him that he belonged until a song burst out of his mouth. But he will never trust again. His scaly face mites started to retreat & his energy boosted. But he will never trust again. As days flew by his heart began to soften, he actually loved his new family. But he might trust again. He was placed into a big cage where he could fly with ease & explore. He might trust again. Christmas eve was here & for the first time Fred was included, he was given a Christmas present. An actual Christmas present! Sitting on his platform, Fred gazed with pride at his Christmas toy. “I will never play though” he thought. On Christmas day he was the most excited he had ever felt. Looking at his toy hanging there, he thought “I might play”. Then, as Christmas cheer flooded his broken little heart, he did it! He played for the first time with his first ever Christmas present. In that moment he felt so pure, so alive. Just then, a thought crossed his fizzing mind “I will trust again”! His wish did come true after all.