"Dear, my mother began, it has been horrible the past couple days. We got visited by a hawk. And who knows when itll come back again! It almost took Ginger!
I laughed in my head. I know it was mean, but Ginger deserved it. I wish Id seen that.
So, she said again, how are you feeling?
I feel wonderful! I smiled big to her, to show her Im not lying.
Thats good! Pepper and Ethel were worried about you.
What about Rose? Does she even care? I snorted.
Of course she cares about you, honey! She moped all around every day waiting for someone to play with. She finished.
Oh, I said. Maybe my mom was lying .
And no Im not lying. Its like she read my mind.
Well why would she care? She was probably off telling everyone to stay away from me because I had cooties
Hun no. She kept asking me when you were coming back. She really loves you, Lil.
Does Rose really? I asked myself. Well, I started to say, Where is everyone now?
Mom looked around and finally said, I dont know. Rose said she was going to take a walk. Your aunts went to go catch bugs. Your dad went and protected his lashe stopped. I mean uh. He just went off. She smiled a fake smile.
What? I was confused. What was he doing? Mom?
Nothing, Hun. Go play. She tried shooing me away but I put out my wing which made her stop.
Mom. Tell me. I demanded.
Honey, not now, ok?
No! Tell me now! Whats going on?
I dont want to tell you while youre still young.
Tell me what!? I exclaimed.
Ugh! she said, fine! Me and your dad just arent together anymore! Happy!
I saw a tear roll down her cheek as she moved her head a different direction to avoid my eyes meeting hers.
Mom . I trailed off. I didnt think this would be coming, Mom. I gave her a hug and she hugged me back. Im sorry . Why arent you guys together anymore?
I-I I dont know. We just grew apart and he started picking up other girls. Older girls. She frowned and looked in my eyes. They were filled with sadness.
When did this happen? I asked curiously.
Uh I dont know. When you were gone.
Oh mom, Im here for you. I hugged her again for a moment and let go.
Thanks dear. She smiled really tiny. She took a deep breath and changed the subject. Why dont you go play with Rose now? Go find her. I dont want her out for long.
I nodded and went off to find Rose.
I went on this path that we all usually take. I walked down it and searched for her.
Rose? I said. Rosie?
I looked on all the paths and still couldnt find her. Oh no!
I rushed out of the tall grass towards my mom. She was in the coop eating.
Mom! MOM! I exclaimed.
What is it honey? she asked.
I cant find Rose!