Chapter Two

Outside, snow flurried through the frosty air and hungry coyotes howled to their hearts' content. Chilly air seeped into our den, where Mama and I were snuggled together in our nest.
     Our den was a large hollow at the base of a walnut tree, previously the home of an armadillo. I had helped Mama fix it up, and now it made the best home. We had a nest in the center, made of dried grass and molted feathers. A tree root in one corner made the perfect roost, and a gap in the wall was a great place to store food.
     I had just been through my first molt, so I was honored to add my contribution to the nest. My lost baby feathers now made our bed even fluffier and warmer.
      Mama chirped softly as she preened my new plumage with pride. I admired the golden rim around my dark brown contour feathers - just like Mama's.
       But something nagged in my chest, a feeling I couldn't quite place. Regret? Uncertainty? Nervousness?
       Now that I was through my first molt, I was technically old enough to "fledge." Did that mean I would have to leave Mama? She had promised that we could stay together forever; I didn't want to leave. And I didn't have to, right? Mama and I were perfectly happy here together - we looked after each other and protected each other; we needed eachother.
        With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I fell asleep to the gentle caress of my mother, with the warm earthy air of the den drifting around me.

Author's Note

How did this chapter feel? How can I improve the "vibe"?