Prologue

Her soft brown feathers enveloped me like a silk blanket, and my heart filled with happiness and tranquility. I could feel her heart beating rhythmically next to mine, and her chest vibrated with soft, contented putters. I could have spent my entire life there with Mama, soaking up her love. But nothing stays the same forever, does it?

        I was an only-chick. None of my siblings hatched, no matter how long Mama waited and how diligently she sat on the eggs. So she raised me alone. She fed me the juiciest bugs and berries, and built the safest nests for us to sleep in. She taught me how to forage,  avoid predators, and speak Avian. In my eyes, our life was perfect. I was never scared or sad or hungry, even in Winter.  I imagined spending my entire life with Mama, building nests and foraging and singing together. But, as is the case with every happy story, good things never last. Something dark lurked around the corner and I was too naive to see it. I would regret that for the rest of my life.

       My name is Hazel. This is my story.