Nest

                                                                 by

                                                             Rowan

                                             Corsham Primary School 

I gripped the binoculars around my neck and gazed at the sky. A lone swift floated across the grey clouds, and a raindrop landed on my nose. Mum loved the swifts. I walked toward the lights of the town and watched for peacocks.

They used to roam freely around the streets, but ever since the feathers became so precious, due to hunting, they became so much more popular. Mum tried to stop it, looked after the birds, but caught a disease, and weeks later, she passed away.I can’t stop it, can I? 

I sit on the rain-soaked steps of the abandoned car park and stare at my feet. Suddenly, a hoarse screech whips across the drizzly air. I jerk my head up and start running. Tearing round the corner, I slide to a halt.There, lying in front of me, is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. The peacock’s feathers are ratty and ripped, but the eyes have a golden spark, dancing like a moonlit flame. Its breathing istired, slow like every breath hurts. I can’t do anything, as I watch her eyes close, peaceful, as she settles down to rest. 

I run home, push past Dad and curl up, sobbing into my pillow.I open my eyes, realise it’s morning, and scrunch them shut again.Struck by an idea, I sprint downstairs, grab my binoculars, and run out the house, Dad is shouting at me what are you doing, but I have already slammed the door and took off towards the wood, because I know where the last peacock is. I kneel in front of the tree hollow, staring into blue-grey eyes, tears running down my cheeks.

THE END

By Rowan