A Nocturnal's Bliss

1st Night: A Tale From A Tail

Pillows are set, the sheets have spread

Later on and I'll think you're dead

Eyes are downcast but you respire

Hugged by your lil' nightgown attire

•••••

I hover over a branch to get a better view. My binocular vision is capable enough to locate my prey hiding behind the bushes. I follow it from its hole where it sheltered and ran away for five minutes and eleven seconds. I must have caught its attention when I stretched my wings earlier. The moonlight is enough to create a shadow of my outstretched wings that my little prey somehow noticed it - noticed me.

The bushes move a little and a small head pokes out. Its whiskers are wiggling anxiously as if sensing its surroundings. I blend myself in the darkness so that I won't give its attention. I don't want to miss dinner.

Thinking that it's safe, my prey emerges from its hiding place and began to crawl warily. I steady myself as my eyes are set hungrily towards the oblivious creature.

I flap my wings ferociously and dart towards it. I push the branch with a force so that my speed will increase. It looks back at me. Horrified, it scurries away just as I predicted.

As a hunter, I never underestimate my prey. It may be small but it's clever enough to survive in many conditions. Besides, survival is our main aim. No one can fend for themselves but us. Naturally.

I already calculated the outcome by creating strategies connected by possibilities and derived two options: Be faster than your prey or let the prey come to you.

I choose the former.

Cathing is the difficult part of the hunt. Still, I believe in my capabilities, even my wings. I am blessed by it and I know that I have the potential to overcome such challenges. My wings are my speed.

I can do it!

I feel exhilarated as I sense myself gaining speed. Every flap of my wings boosts my determination. Nearly there ...

Pounce!

Lo and behold! I got it!

I hold my prey firmly as I land on a branch of an apple tree near a house. Proud of my achievement, I look at my prey which is trembling before my eyes.

"What a good chase! You surely pleased me for the pursuit and shall I be more as you are my tonight's delight," I said.

As I am about to dine, my prey squeaks frighteningly, "Please, good fe-fellow. May I have a word be-before I'll be in-ingested?"

I stare at it and think. A man deserves to bid goodbye when death shall partake. Maybe I'll allow this one, too.

"I'm not like the others who wouldn't be satisfied without hearing any last words but I'll take my chances. So speak," I say coldly.

My prey gulps in fear and tries to talk without stammering but failed. "Mother's rules are cruel and there's no way we can break them, right?" I am taken aback since I thought he will state his farewell. I quickly mask my surprise by quirking an eyebrow, if I have any.

"Then instead of breaking them, why don't we take a break from them?"

"What are you trying to say?" I ask in bewilderment.

Gone were the trembling face of the rodent as it stares back at me with its eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Do you feel curious sometimes?"