Until Dawn

Turn on a bright light in a dim room and you’ll attract just about anything. A moth. A fly. An obnoxious mosquito. It brings about pests, and London is no different. A sunny day can unleash all sorts to unsuspecting parks. Whining kids and frustrated parents. Insufferable teens with cheap wine and loud music. Serendipitous tourists who experience the park through the lenses on their phones. Even starving artists, who prefer to live a solitary existence, will crawl out of their hobbit holes.

The boy was one such artist. He sat on a dark bench, shoulders hunched around his sketchpad, graphite pencil out and earphones in, trying to capture the uniform lawns, the luscious sweet chestnut trees in the distance, and the reflective Round Pond where fowl roamed in the hopes of scoring a bite of stale bread. He ignored the children with their parents, the teens, and the tourists. He kept sketching until all of them disappeared. Until all he could see was the natural haven on his page.

A loud honk pulled him from his reverie, followed closely by another. The boy turned his head, dark eyes focusing on a pair of geese waddling towards the pond. They trailed along the grass, parallel to the people walking down the sandy paths. Their feathers were mahogany brown, with tails painted white and beaks black. For all intents and purposes, they were geese, but as they walked to the pond, squawking back and forth, the boy thought they looked like they could be having a conversation.

They came to a stop alongside the tourists, who had their phones already out and ready to capture a nearby swan gliding across the water. The geese stopped near them to watch as the swan passed, eyes following in a way that looked almost like envy.

Gripping his pencil, the boy peered back down at his page adding the anthropomorphic duo to the page as well as the elusive swan they watched. He looked back up, hoping to catch another glimpse as he added in the details to his sketch only to catch one of the geese’s eyes. They shared a brief look, the goose’s expression seemingly just as surprised as the boy’s. The other goose honked, breaking their stares, before diving into the water, and the first reluctantly jumped in after it. He watched the pair swim until they reached the other side. Although he was confused at the interaction, he did his best to capture the peculiar scene in his drawing.

The boy’s head was bent over his sketch book when the goose looked over at him again. She waited, hoping for him to share her gaze once more, and curious as to what had pulled his attention away. Her partner scoffed at her, leaving her behind to join the others. Reluctantly, she put the mysterious boy out of her mind and finally united with the gaggle of geese for a bite to eat before sun down, when they could truly enjoy the luxury of an empty park.

*** 

The pests disappeared with the sun, leaving the park empty and the gates locked. A ripple traveled across the park as the animals slowly emerged from their hiding spots. The moon appeared from behind the clouds, unnaturally bright, illuminating the grounds as flowers and foliage became iridescent. A soft fog rolled over the pond creating a gentle haze as the vegetation in the pond began to glow. As the gardens transformed so did the animals, trading their feathers and fur for arms and legs, fingers and toes, and luscious locks. Still, some preferred to stay in their animalistic state rather than their human ones, but that didn’t stop them from interacting with the others.

Hazel sat at the edge of the pond with her feet in the water. She had made the transition, trading her sharp beak and webbed feet for her big eyes set a little farther apart than normal, brown coily hair a few shades darker than her skin, and legs only slightly shorter than they should have been relative to her height. It mattered very little to her, though, as they served their purpose. She enjoyed the feeling of the cool water whipping past her legs as they kicked lazily through the lustrous water.

She thought she was ready to embrace the night and leave the day behind, but as hard as she tried, she could not get that boy out of her mind. His look of surprise. His dark eyes. The mysterious tools he had in his lap and the way it seemed to require all of his focus.

“Ugh, how much longer are you going to be like this?”

Jade sat down next to her, leaning back on her hands as she crossed her legs. She closed her eyes, bathing in the moonlight the way the humans had done in the sun only hours ago, letting the light illuminate her pale skin.

“I don’t know,” Hazel said, deciding not to pretend she didn’t know what Jade was talking about. There were people in the gardens every day. In their visits, Hazel got to learn bits and pieces of them, but it was an incomplete image of what their lives must truly be like. “Aren’t you just a little bit curious about them?” But even as she asked, she knew what Jade’s answer would be.

“No, not even a little bit.”

They’d had this conversation before. So, instead of starting up a debate she knew could go on for hours, Hazel changed the subject.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?”

Jade opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a line of swans gliding seamlessly across the water. They ducked their heads in, their legs and tails in the air for a moment, before they dove underwater. Then, one by one they emerged, feathers left behind and replaced by long and shockingly white silk hair trailing behind them as they swam across the shimmering water. Some stayed in the water, content to swim peacefully, while others pulled themselves out effortlessly. Their gowns flowed with the pond, delicate and lustrous, clinging to their curves likes a second skin, making it hard to know where their dresses began and the water ended.

Jade rolled her eyes. “Show offs. Do they have to do that every night? It’s getting a bit old.” She said that last part loud enough for them to hear her. A few of them shot her annoyed looks in return, elfish features contorting into a sneer, but most of them just ignored her.

“Whatever. We’re not going to be here for long anyway,” Jade said, slouching back on her arms. “I told Marcy and Thomas that we’d meet them at their tree. Marcy swears she saw one of the squirrels steal some food from a raven this morning. Thomas says the squirrel actually just wrestled it from a trash bag – you know how much trash those people leave behind – but Marcy thinks it was some sort of snub between the squirrels and the ravens. However, I think…”

Jade kept talking, but Hazel’s eyes were trained on the other side of the pond. Jade’s distaste for the swans was obvious, although not solitary. Most of the park disliked them. They received all the attention during the day and couldn’t seem to part with it at night. Whether swimming in the Round Pond and sitting along its edge, singing and dancing, or pulling partners in for a risqué swim. They kept to themselves for the most part, but not without making sure they were clearly visible to everyone nearby. Hazel knew all of that, but she didn’t find it as annoying as the others did. She appreciated their elegant dives every night – the underwater transformation. She watched their graceful movement as they swam or danced or even just walked along the pond, holding their lovers close for a kiss without caring who was watching.

Hazel knew that some of it was just for show, but she didn’t think that all of them were like that.

Off to the side, sitting quietly by herself, was a swan in a gown as white as her hair and skin nearly as dark as the night sky. Beads of water clung to her skin glowing like a cluster of stars down her arms. She made no effort to join the others, nor did she appear to be lonely. Instead, she sat contentedly enjoying the moon rise before she disappeared behind the trees as she did each night. Not that Hazel watched her every night, but on the nights that she just happened to be sitting by the pond while Jade told her in lengthy detail what they were going to be doing that night, Hazel couldn’t stop her eye from wandering across the pond.

She was everything Hazel wished she could be.

Besides, for all of Jade’s criticisms towards the swans’ nightly dive, she seemed to be oblivious to the hypocrisy in her statement. She and Hazel were about to do the same thing they did every single night. Go over to Marcy’s and Thomas’s tree, gossip about which packs weren’t getting along with the others, whether there any new and scandalous romances happening between species, and every other inane topic which could be dissected and pried apart until Hazel died of boredom.

Hazel flexed her toes in the water, the cool water startling her and making her conscious of the missing web between the digits. She played with the hem of her auburn dress sitting delicately across her thighs. Tonight, something was going to change. She’d been building up her courage every night to talk to the swan, and tonight was the night. She hadn’t told Jade about it, though, and she wasn’t planning to. Jade would only criticize for it.

 “Hazel? Hazel, were you listening to what I was saying?”

She opened her mouth, ready to say yes. To convince her that nothing was any different than it was any other night, but instead what came out was: “I can’t come tonight.”

“What? Why?” Jade asked. She wasn’t angry, only a little confused.

“I think I’m going to take some time alone tonight.”

“Alone?” Jade, said with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes. Why is that so crazy?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you alone,” she said, contemplatively.

“Of course, you haven’t. I wouldn’t have been alone if you were there, would I?”

Suddenly her features turned, eyebrows sinking in suspicion. “You’re not trying to sneak off to meet with someone are you?” Her eyes twinkled beneath her brows, excited at the chance of gleaning a piece of gossip.

“No, I’m not,” she lied. Technically, she was going to meet someone, but it wasn’t in the way Jade meant it. “I just want a peaceful night in the park. I’ll probably just walk around a bit.”

“Hm,” Jade said, with a hint of disbelief. She stood up anyway, her pale green trousers unwrinkled. She dusted off her cream shirt, looking down at Hazel. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”

“I just want some time to think.” Jade stared at her, unmoving. It sounded like a bad excuse. And if it was true, Jade thought that it seemed like a sad way for Hazel to spend her night.

“I’ll probably end up joining you guys later anyway,” Hazel said.

Finally, Jade was appeased. She nodded, knowing that Hazel would probably walk around for fifteen minutes before losing interest and coming to find her and the others.

Hazel, however, had much bigger plans in mind.

“Just stay away from the ravens, they’re trouble,” Jade said, pointedly. “Oh, and don’t go too close to the fence, you never know who might be watching. And –”

“Relax, Jade. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you later, okay?” She forced a smile she hoped was convincing and it seemed to be enough as Jade walked off to meet the rest of their friends. 

*** 

Hazel did end up walking around a little. Once the swan stood up to leave, Hazel counted to thirty before following after her. She wasn’t sure where the other girl was going, but she disappeared into the trees just as Hazel had seen her do on most nights.

Hazel followed her across the lawn, past campfires where music played amongst a group of friends dancing and the occasional family grouped together after a chaotic day, and into the trees. It was darker beneath the trees and somehow quieter, as if the shadows dampened sound. Hazel heard the occasional couple giggling to each other as they embraced behind bushes. Others mumbled excitedly with confidants sharing the latest gossip. Jade, Marcy, and Thomas were off doing the exact same thing somewhere else in the park.

Finally, the trees began to thin, and Hazel’s surroundings went absolutely quiet. There were very few who hung around the edges of the park. Everyone was too afraid of getting caught by the humans, even though the enchantment on the park ensured they’d never be seen.

The gate came into view, emerging like a dark creature from behind the trees. Hazel faltered for a step before walking onto the gravel path and toward the behemoth. This was the closest she had ever been to the edge of the park.

The gate was made of metal and painted black, but standing this close to it, Hazel could feel the subtle hum of magic imbued into the rails keeping her from experiencing the world on the other side. She could see the occasional flashing of headlights and hear the accompanying rumble of shiny vehicles on the other side of the gate, but from where she was standing, the lights and the sounds seemed muted. It was like she was observing it with her head underwater.

The swan stopped a few feet away from the gate seeming to examine it carefully, her arms crossed and her gaze serious. Hazel balanced precariously on her feet, wondering when she should step forward, but she wasn’t sure how to do it without startling the swan.

Before she could form a plan, the silence was cut by the swan’s voice.

“I know you’re there,” she said sharply, blocking out the muted sounds from the street.

Hazel flinched at the sound. Startled her tongue went dead in her mouth.

The swan turned around slowly when Hazel didn’t answer, her arms still crossed, and her eyes reduced to slits. “Why are you following me? Did my siblings put you up to this?” She took a step towards Hazel.

Hazel, however, was still trying to recover and could barely digest the question. “Y-your siblings...? Why would they―?”

“Who knows why they do the things they do. Out of boredom? They probably saw an opportunity to humiliate me and thought it would be fun…” she said, the last part mumbled under her breath. When Hazel still didn’t answer, she sighed. “So, it wasn’t my siblings?”

“No.”

“Then, what are you doing here?” Her eyes bore into Hazel’s, demanding answers and annoyed enough to knock Hazel off kilter.

“I was...um...” Hazel had been thinking about meeting the swan for so long. She had planned what to say, but this encounter hadn’t gone the way she had expected it to. So, instead of answering the swan’s question she thrust her hand out in panic.

“I’m Hazel.”

“Hi Hazel. Why are you stalking me?” the Swan asked, staring at Hazel’s hand.

Hazel lowered her hand awkwardly. After a pause, the answer finally came to her. “I wasn’t trying to stalk you. I just wanted to meet you and I saw you disappear into the woods and so I followed you just to say hi.”

“To say hi? That’s it?”

Hazel hadn’t stopped blushing since the start of this conversation and now she could feel the slight dampness of sweat under her arms. She was doing a terrible job. She needed to say something, anything that made sense and didn’t make her seem like a complete weirdo. “I wanted to meet you because you didn’t seem like you were having any fun. Your friends – or maybe they were your siblings, I don’t know – they seemed to be having a great time at the pond, but you were off to the side completely uninterested and...”

“And what?”

Hazel teetered on the edge, unsure how much of the truth she should share. Well, she’d come this far. Now was not the time to hold back. “And I thought I was the only one who felt that way around their friends.”

The swan was quiet for a moment, staring at Hazel intently.

Hazel silently prepared for the swan to call her a moron and send her back into the woods.

“How did you feel?” the swan asked, finally, more curious than angry now.

“Lonely,” she said softly, “because I’m not sure if I fit in with them. I’m not sure I’ve ever fit in. Anywhere.”

The swan was quiet again and Hazel wished she could be alone so that at the very least she could go die of shame without a stranger staring at her.

“You’re wrong, Hazel,” the swan said, her dark eyes softening slightly. “I wasn’t lonely...but I know how it feels...to not fit in.” She held out her hand and Hazel took it in disbelief. “I’m Vera.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Vera,” Hazel said, a shy smile falling into place as she shook Vera’s hand.

“You might change your mind about that.”

“Why would I―?”

“Because I’m about to climb over this fence and I want you to come with me.”

“You want me to come with you? Over the fence?” Hazel was having a hard time trying to process her words. Vera was going to climb over the fence. She was going to leave the gardens. And for some reason she wanted Hazel to go with her.

It was Hazel’s turn to ask, “Why?”

“Because, I think you’re just curious enough to do it. And I think it’ll make you feel better. I know it made me feel better the first time I did.”

“You’ve done it more than once?” Hazel asked, flabbergasted.

Vera shrugged, her lips curling into a grin. “You don’t have to do it. It was just a suggestion."

Hazel had to stop looking into Vera’s eyes. They were so dark and alluring that Hazel couldn’t find her bearings. She’d never journeyed outside the park in her human form. Sure, she had flown across London with the other geese, but that was so high up that the only people she could see looked like swarming ants. This time, though, she’d be human, or as close to human as she could possibly be. She would be able to observe people up close. See their lives outside of the park. She might even be able to talk to a few of them.

It was everything she had wanted for the longest time. Then why was it so hard to say yes? It wasn’t Jade. Hazel was surprised to find that she didn’t care what the other goose thought. It wasn’t Vera. As much as she seemed to make Hazel nervous, it wasn’t in a bad way. Every word that had come out of her mouth had challenged Hazel in a way that excited her. She was curious to know what might happen next.

It was fear. After all of this time of wanting something so badly, she was afraid.

Vera, as if sensing Hazel’s thoughts, spoke up. Or maybe Hazel was just very bad at hiding her emotions.

“I know it’s scary, but it’s so worth it,” she said, her voice kind.

It was enough to put her at ease. Hazel had always wanted to know more about humans and she was finally being given an opportunity to indulge her curiosity. Shouldn’t she take it?

“I’ll go with you.”

“You sure?” Vera asked. Hazel’s face must not have inspired confidence.

So, Hazel smoothed out her expression and said more confidently, “Yes.”

“Okay, let’s do it,” Vera said, grinning. “But first…”

She walked to the nearest shrub, before dropping down to her knees. She used her hands to dig what Hazel thought would be hard packed earth, but Vera easily brushed aside loose dirt and leaves, before pulling out a small black bag. It was something Hazel had seen humans carry around parks, keeping their phones and small trinkets tucked away as they walked. If Hazel doubted Vera’s words earlier, she couldn’t do it now; it was clear that this was somewhat of a routine with Vera whenever she left the park.

Vera strapped the bag across her torso, and without waiting another second, she walked up to the gate, placing her hands on it. Hazel flinched, expecting some kind of shock, but Vera didn’t seem to be affected. She climbed the fence efficiently, as if she had done it multiple times before, and then hopped over the other side on to the sidewalk.

“You coming?” she said in challenge. Her voice was muted along with everything else on the other side of the fence.

Hazel walked up to the edge, raising her hands to the fence. If Vera hadn’t been watching she might have taken her time, but she wanted to prove to Vera that she was brave. She wasn’t afraid of what was on the other side of that wall. Or at least that’s what she hoped she conveyed.

Hazel grabbed onto the railing, relieved to not feel any pain, but surprised to feel the hum from the fence reverberate through her body as she climbed. Hazel tried to copy Vera, grabbing on to the rails of the fence with her hands, while trying to find a grip with her feet. She was a bit more awkward in her movements, but Hazel made it to top, swung her feet over, and carefully shimmied down to the ground.

The first thing she noticed was the sound. The sound of tires rolling across pavement. Of buses pulling away from their stops. Of people buzzing with conversation as they walked home from work.

The lights were also different on this side. They lacked the enchanted fluorescence of the garden, but the street lights’ warm glow seemed to create their own kind of magic.

Hazel followed Vera, this time walking alongside her. The journey was shorter than Hazel expected. They walked down a few blocks, then across a street where a small box displayed the colors and stance of an artificial man who signaled when it was safe to cross. Soon, they turned a corner to a place called The Mitre.

It was much hotter inside and the lights were brighter, although still warm and inviting. People sat at tables lining the walls and, in the back, they ate food. Hazel’s mouth began to water at the smell. Vera immediately walked up to a long wooden table behind which the staff worked and stored dozens of bottles with liquids ranging in clarity. Hazel would soon come to learn that this was what humans called a pub and that the long table was in fact a bar.

Vera spoke to one of the humans behind the bar before ushering Hazel near the back, to a table in front of a fire. Hazel watched in curiosity as the fire managed to burn inside the pub, made mostly of wood, without the establishment catching fire. She had already suspected it, but this only proved that humans were in fact, very creative and resourceful.

They had only just taken their seats when the human Vera had talked to put down two glasses in front of them.

“Thank you,” Vera said, while Hazel stared entranced by the contents of the glass.

The human gave Hazel an odd look before disappearing, not that Hazel noticed.

The drink was amber in color with the tiniest of bubbles climbing to the surface to join the creamy layer of foam at the top. But how could air be traveling through the liquid without any animal there to create it, like the fish did in the pond? It was positively fascinating.

“It’s called beer,” Vera interjected. “It’s very popular here. From what I’ve observed they tend to drink it daily.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to try it,” Hazel said, as the situation started to sink in. She was here in a human establishment about to partake in one of their most popular past times. She picked up the glass ready to put it to her lips when Vera touched her arm.

Hazel looked up at her in question.

“We have to cheers first.”

“Cheers?”

“We tap our glasses together and say cheers before we drink.”

“Another human custom?” Vera nodded. “What does it mean?”

She frowned, slightly. “I don’t know if there’s rhyme or reason to it, but from what I understand, it’s a way to say, ‘I’m happy you’re here, and now let us share a drink as friends.’”

Vera lifted her glass, holding it out toward Hazel.

Lifting her glass, Hazel did the same, tapping her glass gently against Vera’s.

“Cheers,” Vera said. Hazel echoed the words softly.

Vera’s eyes remained on Hazel’s as their glasses made a faint clink, and only pulled away when they each took their first sip.

The coolness of the drink excited Hazel, but the bitter taste that followed made her wince. The liquid fizzed on her tongue, not unpleasantly, but the flavor was not one she could appreciate. She forced it down, lifting her hand to wipe the foam from her lip.

“What do you think?” Vera asked, barely hiding a smile.

“It’s um - it’s an interesting flavor.”

Vera laughed, head tilted back.

Hazel watched smiling in response, only slightly embarrassed.

“I’ll get you a different drink.” Vera stood up fluidly, heading toward the bar again, before Hazel could protest.

Heads swiveled toward Vera as she walked by them. Her graceful steps, as light as a dancer’s, and her silver mane must have been a curiosity for them. It was an enchanting sight to see, even for Hazel.

***

Hazel leaned back in her seat, enjoying the warmth of the fire. She watched the hearth, mesmerized by the dancing flames. It was a most welcome warmth, even though summer had already begun.

Between sips, she and Vera had talked non-stop. Or rather, Hazel had asked an endless stream of questions and Vera had patiently answered them one by one. Hazel had wanted to know everything, from the silver utensils the humans used to eat to the little plastic cards they used to pay for everything. Hazel stored every little piece of information, committing it to memory so that she could revisit them the next time she felt lonely in the park. She tried not to think about it, though.

They had settled into a lull, Hazel deciding to give Vera a bit of a break. She observed their surroundings silently, until Vera spoke again, drawing her attention. “Your cheeks are flushed.”

Her cheeks probably looked even more flushed after Vera’s words. “It must be the fire,” Hazel said, her hands coming up to touch her cheeks. “And the drinks.”

Hazel stared at the half empty glass of cider sitting next to her first, which she had finished rather quickly. She had much preferred the cider to beer. The sweetness combined nicely with the bubbles, and the sour after taste was almost nonexistent. It was fruity and fresh, and the perfect drink to sip in front of the warm fire.

“What does the cider have to do with my cheeks?”

“These types of drinks – cider and beer – are alcoholic. It means that they can make you feel a little more...relaxed. Even a little silly sometimes.”

“Through magic?” Hazel asked, in awe. She examined her drink again.

“Not through magic. Through science. It’s a human sort of magic.”

“Fascinating.”

“It can also make you feel a bit warm, which is why your cheeks are a bit flushed.”

“Oh.”

Vera laughed and Hazel grinned in response, her embarrassment seeming to have evaporated like the bubbles in her drink.

A thought popped into Hazel’s mind. “Can I ask you another question?” she asked, with a sudden rush of bravery.

“Sure.” Vera watched her closely with anticipation.

“Why did you ask me to come with you?”

“I admit, it might have been a bit impulsive.” She smirked, before taking another sip. “I thought you might want to know what else was out here. There’s more to life than the garden, regardless of what everyone else thinks.”

Hazel nodded, peering into her glass as she thought. So far, it was much more than she could have ever imagined. She was surrounded by humans eating, drinking, and laughing. Some spoke in hushed tones over a meal, while others sat in a group, speaking noisily over one another as they drank. They were all just living their lives, happy to be spending time with their loved ones. Hazel could happily stay there for hours, just watching them.

“Ready for the next stop?”

Hazel’s eyes whipped toward Vera. “Next stop?”

“Yeah, we’ve barely left the garden. Don’t you want to see more?”

Hazel hesitated. She was not sure whether she was ready to leave the dark cozy pub, but she’d come here to see life outside of the park, and as hard as it was to believe, this was only a tiny part of it.

She took another sip of her drink, before embracing her new-found bravery. “Yes, I want to see more.”

Vera grinned, her teeth gleaming in the light. Her eyes danced over Hazel’s in challenge, before she downed the rest of Hazel’s unfinished beer. The empty glass came down with a thunk. Vera watched Hazel, waiting.

Realizing Vera wanted her to do the same, Hazel picked up her glass of cider. She drank what remained, slowly at first and then faster as the golden liquid started to disappear. She plunked her empty glass on the table, stifling the burp that threatened to burst past her lips.

“Nice,” Vera said, before standing up and heading toward the door. Hazel stared curiously as Vera stopped briefly, pulling a few colorful pieces of paper out of her bag and putting them down on the bar. “Keep the change.”

The man behind the bar smiled gratefully as Vera darted out. Hazel followed closely behind her.

Their path took them back toward the garden, but instead of heading to the gate, Vera came to a standstill across the street from the park’s entrance.

A sign loomed behind her, casting Vera in a slight red and blue glow. Written in white were the words Lancaster Gate Station, with an archway underneath, leading to an off-white tiled cavern lined with strange metal barriers. But Vera ignored that, instead, she was looking to their right as variety of cars passed by them.

“What are you doing?” Hazel asked, curiously.

“I’m waiting for the bus.”

“We’re taking a bus?”

“Yes, that’s how we’ll get to our next stop.”

Hazel could feel an inkling of her fear starting to return. The magic of the cider must have started to wear off.

“Is that okay?” Vera asked, after a glance at Hazel’s face.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Vera looked unconvinced. “I mean it. I’m a bit nervous, but it’ll be fine.”

Vera seemed to believe her the second time around. She turned back toward the street, in search of the bus.

Hazel was going to be riding a bus. The tall red machine on wheels. She saw them most days, the top level visible just above the fence of the park. There were sparks of excitement mixed in too, but the prospect of riding in a piece of metal on wheels seemed a bit daunting.

“Ah, there it is,” Vera sighed, as the steel creature came to a stop in front of them.

Vera stepped on without hesitation, pulling two cards from inside her bag. She touched them to a circular yellow pad, resulting in two tinny beeps.

Vera turned around, surprised to find Hazel still outside.

She held her hand out. “Come on, it’ll be fun. I promise.” She smiled, reassuringly and after another moment, Hazel took her hand, letting her pull her into the bus.

Hazel was going to be riding a bus. The tall red machine on wheels. She saw them most days, the top level just visible above the park fence. Hazel felt sparks of excitement even though the prospect of riding in a piece of metal on wheels seemed a bit daunting.

“Ah, there it is,” Vera sighed, as the steel creature came to a stop in front of them.

Vera stepped on without hesitation, pulling two cards from inside her bag. She touched them to a circular yellow pad, resulting in two tinny beeps.

Vera turned around, surprised to find Hazel still outside.

She held her hand out. “Come on, it’ll be fun. I promise.” She smiled, reassuringly and after another moment, Hazel took her hand, letting her pull her into the bus.

The bus jolted to a start, and Hazel arms flailed, before grasping a conveniently placed red metal bar. A second glance around showed her they were placed throughout the bus, for which she was grateful.

Hazel swayed with the movement of the bus, giggling at the strange sensation. Different from walking or flying. She was hurtling through the dark streets with no control on her part. She was at the mercy of the machine. It was freeing in some way. And in other ways, it was not. She quickly realized the inconvenience of it as the bus came to a violent and unexpected stop, propelling Hazel forward and to what she was certain was her imminent death.

“I’ve got you,” Vera said, catching her before she could fall. Her grip was sturdy. Beneath her lithe and long limbs was hard muscle. “You might want to hold on a bit tighter next time.”

Hazel hurriedly caught her footing as a couple of humans entered the bus. “Thank you, Vera.”

“It’s no problem.” Vera watched Hazel with amusement. “Why don’t we go up? We’ll have a better view that way.

Hazel’s instinct was to refuse, but when she caught the eager gleam in Vera’s eyes she nodded. Vera quickly grabbed Hazel, pushing her towards the steps. Hazel began climbing as the bus took off again. She clung to the rails desperately. How was she supposed to do this when mere seconds ago, she could barely stay upright when standing on a moving bus?

“You’re okay,” Vera said, reassuringly. She placed a hand on Hazel’s back. “I’m right behind you. You won’t fall.”

Hazel breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Vera would catch her if she fell. There was nothing to fear. Steeling her nerves, Hazel pulled herself up rest of the way, Vera close behind.

There were several rows of seats up at the top – much more than on the bottom level, to Hazel’s surprise. Half of them were free. Hazel froze with indecision.

Vera squealed behind her. “The front seats are free. Go quickly, before someone else takes them.”

It didn’t seem like anyone else was rushing to get the seats, but Hazel followed Vera’s instructions anyway, darting to the front. A couple behind them laughed as Hazel and Vera landed sloppily in their seats.

Vera laughed beside her, but Hazel barely noticed. Her eyes were on the window in front of her. She could see everything from where they were seated: the street, nearby cars, branches at the tops of trees. She could even see into the park. It looked darker than it did from the inside and completely abandoned. Is this what it looked like to humans at night? Part of Hazel felt bad that they would never get to experience the true beauty of the magical haven.

Once the park was out of sight, the dim yellow glow of streetlights was replaced with bright white lights. The inside of the bus brightened as they approached a cluster of tall buildings. Large signs and white spotlights shone above windows displaying a variety of objects – clothes, food, shoes, jewelry. Everything Hazel had seen humans wear or carry in the park were showcased on either side of the bus’s path.

“They’re called stores,” Vera said, noticing Hazel’s interest. “It’s where humans buy all the stuff they have.”

“Buy?”

“Like I did with the drinks in the pub. I had to give them money in exchange.”

“The colored paper?” Vera nodded. “And the cards you used when we got on the bus?”

“Yes.”

Hazel thought about the items on display. Maybe she could buy something to take back with her as a souvenir. She’d have to hide it, like Vera did with her bag, but it would be worth it. “Is money easy to find? Maybe I can get some, too.”

“No, unfortunately,” Vera said, holding back a laugh. “You have to earn it by working in exchange for money. It’s called having a job.”

Hazel digested this new fact. “And you have a job?”

“No, I don’t. Not yet, at least,” Vera’s smile faded.

“So, how did you get the paper? And the cards?”

Vera watched Hazel, inspecting her closely looking for the answer to an unspoken question. Hazel wished she knew what Vera was looking for, so she could give it to her, but instead Hazel had to wait patiently.

“Do you remember Raven?” Vera asked, finally.

Hazel sat back slightly in surprise. It was not what she was expecting Vera to say. “Of course I remember her. Everyone does. I don’t think anyone in the park is going to forget her anytime soon.” She was a favorite topic of Jade’s to discuss whenever gossip was lacking at the end of the day. Raven could be counted on to save any lack luster conversations. “She left the park a few years ago. I remember the crows were angry about it. They banished her when she left.”

“That’s right,” Vera said, softly. She looked at Hazel again, before speaking. “She was my best friend.”

“You knew her?”

Vera nodded. “She hated her life in the park. She couldn’t stand being there. Neither of us could.” She watched Hazel carefully, waiting for her to say something, but when she didn’t, Vera continued. “So, two years ago, we decided we were going to leave the park and live permanently in the human world.”

Hazel’s mouth fell open in shock. To leave the park at night was one thing. It was rebellious and against the rules, but Hazel reasoned that it would all be okay as long as she returned before dawn. Before anyone could know that she’d gone. But to leave? To be banished? It was almost unheard of. And to think Vera almost did the same. The thought put a pit in Hazel’s stomach.

“In the end, I was too afraid to do it. I stayed behind, but Raven left anyway.” Vera looked down at her lap. Her brows were drawn together, her eyes blurry. Hazel reached out, gently taking Vera’s hand, without thinking. She stared at her own hand, shocked at what she had done and waited for Vera to pull her hand away, but instead, she felt a grateful squeeze.

“I was a coward. I left Raven behind when she needed me most. After seeing how much I hurt her...I promised never let fear control my life again. I wouldn’t let someone else’s opinions about me influence my actions.

“Somehow, even alone, Raven was able to make a life for herself in the city. She found a job and then a flat. She lives her life completely in her human form. I don’t think she’s made the change in more than a year.”

“Wow.” Hazel couldn’t imagine ever giving up her wings. It was the one freedom she had in the park. Flying gave her a glimpse of the outer world. Gave her a chance to explore the outside of the gate in safety.

Hazel processed Vera’s last sentence. “So, you still see her?”

“We didn’t talk for a while after she left, but eventually, she forgave me. She doesn’t live far from the park, actually. So, most nights, I sneak out at night to visit her.”

Hazel nodded. “So, you got the – the money and the cards from Raven?”

“Yes, she’s letting me borrow it. For now.”

“What do you mean, for now?”

“Just...for now.”

The bus came to a stop. Vera reached behind her and pressed a red square. There was a ding and a sign above their heads glowed red: Bus stopping.

“We’re almost there.”

They got off at the next stop in silence. Hazel followed Vera, unsure what to think.

“You’re going to leave the park, aren’t you?”

“I – I’m not sure yet. Maybe.”

Hazel wanted to say more, but she wasn’t sure she should. She wished Vera would stay. She wished she could ask Vera to stay, but they’d only just met. And this had been in Vera’s mind for years now. Was there even something she could say to sway Vera’s mind? Probably not.

It was clear that Vera cared for Raven. Her words mattered more than Hazel’s. Hazel sighed as a new emotion stitched into her chest. Jealousy? She’d heard humans speak of it before, but she’d never felt it herself. It was small, ugly, and loud, however unreasonable its words were. It was a loathsome creature that had settled into her headspace unwelcome.

She shook her head, dislodging it from her mind, before walking closer to Vera – close enough for their shoulders to touch.

“It might be cool.”

“What would?” Vera asked, turning her head towards Hazel.

“If you were to move into the city.”

“You think so?” Some of the tension eased from Vera’s back.

“Yes, definitely. I mean, I’ve only been here a couple hours and I can already tell that it’s incredible. It’s more than I could have expected.”

“It really is. Incredible, I mean. It’s so much bigger than the park. There’s so much to discover. According to Raven, there are people who have lived here for more than ten years, and they still haven’t seen the whole city.”

“Wow.” The idea was hard for Hazel to imagine. She’d only lived in the park her whole life...but she did remember her flight over the city. Their park was only a tiny section of London and the rest extended for miles.

“And of course, you would be welcome to visit me. I’ll probably be moving in with Raven until I can find my own place, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Hazel hesitated. Vera’s words made her light up with joy, but it simultaneously frightened her. Could she be like Vera? Constantly sneaking out of the park alone to visit her friend in the city? Hazel couldn’t imagine doing any of this without Vera beside her.

“Yeah, maybe.”

Vera frowned at Hazel’s tone of voice. Hazel hated the way her delicate features scrunched up in uncertainty. She liked Vera confident and carefree, laughing at the way Hazel floundered as she discovered this new world.

Thankfully, the frown didn’t last. Her face lit up as they approached a crowd of people, all lined up for something that was too far away for Hazel to see.

It was a warm summer night, but even so, Hazel wondered if some of the people might be cold, with what little clothing they wore. The humans in line were some of the most interesting Hazel had ever seen. Some were in head to toe black, in leather booths laced up to the tops of their ankles. Others wore mesh tops with barely there shorts and dark paint lining their eyes. And she saw several with hair as colorful as a rainbow. It was truly a sight to behold.

“Are we going where they’re going?” Hazel asked Vera, preparing to enter the line. She would be too shy to introduce herself to one of these humans – it’d taken her weeks to approach Vera – but Vera was braver than she was. Maybe she could start a conversation with one of them, and Hazel could learn more about these fascinating types of humans.

“Yes, but we’re going in another way. The line will take too long.”

Vera looped her arm in Hazel’s, guiding them past the long line of people and around the corner to a small alleyway. Hazel held onto Vera a bit tighter. The street was smaller, quieter, and much darker than the main street. It was the first time since they left the park that Hazel felt unsafe.

“What are we doing here?”

“Just looking for the door. Ah, there it is.”

“It” was a black metal door, so dark that Hazel could barely make it out, especially without any lights around. Vera wretched it open, before tugging Hazel in with her. The door slammed shut behind.

The silence of the alleyway was suddenly replaced by the strong pounding of music.

“Vera, is that you?” a gravelly voice called. Not far from the door was a man dressed in a black shirt and pants. He was bald, tall and had intimidatingly large arms. Hazel nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise.

“Yes, Tom, it’s me.” Vera said, a smile in her voice.

“It’s good to see you. How long has it been? A week? I think that’s the longest you’ve ever been away.”

“I was busy.”

“Clearly. I heard from Raven that you might be moving in with her, is that right?”

Vera looked at Hazel before answering, “I’m thinking about it.”

“That’s great! We might just have to find you a job here, too. Might as well, with how often you’re here,” he laughed heartily.

Vera chuckled softly. “Maybe.”

“And who is this here with you?” Tom asked, seeming to suddenly notice Hazel and how tightly she was clinging to Vera. “Don’t worry, miss, I don’t bite.”

“This is Hazel,” Vera said. Hazel relaxed her hold on Vera’s arm, putting out a hand to shake Tom’s. She hoped she was doing it right. She’d seen other humans do it at the park whenever they met someone new.

Tom grabbed her hand, tugging Hazel forward, and enveloping her into a surprisingly gentle hug.

“Tom,” Vera said, admonishingly.

“It’s nice to meet you Hazel. Any friend of Vera’s is a friend of mine.” He let her go and she stepped back, trying to regain her bearings.

“Thanks, it’s nice to meet you, too, Tom,” Hazel replied.

He grinned. “Well, I won’t keep you two much longer. Go ahead through and have some fun.”

“Thanks, Tom,” Vera said, grabbing Hazel’s hand and pulling her towards a second door.

“Make sure you take care of her, alright?”

Vera rolled her eyes. “I will, Tom. Don’t worry so much.”

The music was more of a dull pulsing in the room with Tom, but now, it was raised to a deafening roar. Hazel had to fight the urge to put her hands over her ears as she followed Vera into a much grander and much more crowded room. There were humans, like the ones Hazel had seen outside in line, packed together as they moved in sync to the music. They were dancing, she realized. Somehow, in this crowded space, they were able to move. It was different than the dancing she’d done in the park amongst her friends. That was outside in the open air with the cool night breeze whistling through your limbs and the blazing campfire warming your skin. This was sweatier, more chaotic, and somehow more sensual than Hazel would have expected.

Hazel blinked at the multi-colored flashing lights darting around the room, highlighting the occasional face. It was impossible not to brush up against others as they moved through the room. Vera walked along the edge, before coming to a portion of the room near the back that had a bit more space and where the music was at a tolerable level.

“What is this place?” Hazel asked again, her voice more fragile than she the wanted it to be.

“This a club. It’s where humans like to have fun. They dance and drink and – are you okay?” Vera said, taking a step closer to Hazel and taking both of her hands. “Is it too much?”

“Yes, it’s just – just not what I expected. It’s definitely louder,” she said, forcing a laugh.

“But hopefully not too loud.” Hazel shrugged. “If it’s too much we can always leave.”

Hazel looked around at the people dancing in the crowd. They certainly seemed to be having fun. Their heads were tossed back, smiles adorning their faces, their hair wet and sticking to their foreheads. They clung to each other, dancing against one another. A couple nearby pulled each other in gracefully for a kiss between moves.

“I want to stay,” Hazel said, after a moment. She came all this way, she should at least try. See why all these humans were lined up to experience...this.

“You’re sure?” Vera asked.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Hazel smiled, squeezing Vera’s hands.

“Okay.” Vera grinned mischievously. “Maybe you’ll feel better after another drink. What do you say?”

Hazel could use some liquid courage right about now. “Yes, please.”

***

Twenty minutes later Hazel was sipping a drink Vera said was called a gin and tonic. It had the same fizziness of the beer and cider – maybe more if that was possible. The taste was bitter, but in a different way than the beer had been. The beer had been bitter, like food that had just started to turn, while the gin and tonic was bitter like citrus. The sensation was new but not unpleasant. With the slice of lemon it added a hint of freshness that Hazel found refreshing.

“Now, make sure you drink it slowly. It’s stronger than the cider you had earlier.”

“Really?” Hazel looked curiously at the clear bubbly drink.

“Remember how the cider made you feel?” It had made Hazel’s mind feel lighter and her head heavier. It had relaxed her muscles and loosened her tongue. It was an odd mix of feelings, but she had enjoyed it. She nodded. “Well, this one will make you feel those things even more. Just take your time and stay close.”

They could hear the music from where they were, in a room adjacent to the main one. It was more relaxed in here, with people sitting and talking amongst themselves. Hazel and Vera sipped their drinks doing the same. Slowly Hazel started to relax.

Hazel took another sip of her drink. There was a small lull in their conversation, but Hazel didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with words. Hazel was surprised to find that she felt comfortable with Vera. Only a few hours ago, Hazel could barely utter a word to introduce herself, and now she found herself leaning on Vera for comfort. It might have been the drink, but Hazel thought it was more than that.

“Do you think you might be ready to try dancing?” Vera asked, interrupting Hazel’s thoughts.

Hazel turned to Vera, eyes roaming over her elfish features aglow with excitement. Vera liked it here. According to Tom, she came here often. She might even end up working here.

Hazel thought about the dancing she had seen in the great room. The bodies pressed together, moving together like eels swimming through water. She imagined her and Vera dancing like that. Her cheeks suddenly felt warm. Warmer than they already were from the drink in her hand.

Hazel opened her mouth, ready to accept Vera’s offer, when someone started heading towards them. Hazel looked up to find a woman with straight dark hair, cut sharply at her chin. Her eyes were a clear blue, even brighter than the pond in the garden. She wore black clothes. Her shirt stopped right above her belly button and clung tightly to her torso. Her pants were bulky and had several pockets – they were cargo pants, or at least that’s what Hazel thought they were called.

Hazel hadn’t seen her in years, and even then, she’d only gotten glimpses of her every so often as their groups rarely overlapped, but Hazel knew exactly who the woman was, before Vera could even speak her name.

“Vera!” the woman squealed.

“Raven!” Vera let go of Hazel’s hand, running up to embrace Raven.

“Don’t ever leave me again for that amount of time. A week is too long.”

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again,” Vera said, a laugh lacing her words.

“I’m glad I found you. Tom told me you’d come through. I was scared I was going to have to fight my way through the throng of people out there.”

“We just decided to relax a bit before heading to the dance floor.”

“Oh,” she said, looking a bit confused. “And who is this with you?”

“This is Hazel. Hazel, this is Raven.”

Hazel stood up to shake hands with her. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

“This is Hazel’s first time in Heaven.”

“Heaven?” Hazel asked.

“The name of the club,” Raven answered. “It’s the biggest gay club in London.”

“Gay club?”

“A club for couples that are the same gender.”

“Ah.” Hazel said, still bewildered.

“It’s a safe space for people that are gay. Away from those who might judge them. Or worse.”

Hazel shook her head in shock. They had never made those distinctions in the park. Animals merely partnered up with whoever they wanted to. It was strange that humans felt the need to label and separate everyone and everything, much less judge those that belonged to one group or the other. Hazel thought it seemed like a sad way to live.

“Listen, I have to go work, but it was nice meeting you,” Raven said, looking at her strangely. “Vera, I’ll see you at my place later.”

“See you,” Vera replied. She turned to Hazel once Raven was gone. “So, shall we dance?”

“Sure,” Hazel said, walking beside Vera before coming to a stop.

Vera stopped too, noticing Hazel. “What’s wrong? Did you change your mind?”

Hazel hesitated. She wasn’t sure why she stopped. “Did you notice something weird with Raven?”

Vera cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just – at the end, I thought – I don’t think she liked me,” Hazel stuttered.

“What would make you think that?” Vera asked, taking a step toward Hazel.

Hazel looked down at her cup. “She just – I don’t know – looked at me weirdly at the end.”

Vera was silent, causing Hazel to look up. Vera was frowning. “It’s not that she doesn’t like you. It’s just that she didn’t know you’d be here. It’s been a long time since she’s talked to anyone from the park. It’s still hard for her to think about.”

“Are you guys together?” Hazel blurted.

Vera’s eyes widened in shock. “What?”

“You and Raven, are you two...Never mind, I shouldn’t have asked.” Hazel turned away, ready to leave the conversation. She wasn’t sure where she was going, but it didn’t matter as long as it was far away from the fool she had just made herself into.

“No, no it’s okay,” Vera said, grabbing Hazel’s hand before she could leave. “We used to be, but not anymore. We’re just friends. Best friends.”

“Oh.” She glanced down at her hand, still in Vera’s. “Would you like to dance?”

She looked to find a crooked grin on Vera’s face. “I thought you’d never ask.”

*** 

Like everything that had happened tonight, dancing with Vera was more than anything Hazel could have expected.

They started on the edge of the room. Vera danced freely, somehow moving more than the space allowed. For Hazel, it was a bit different. It took her more time to loosen up. Hazel and her friends would dance occasionally in the park. Hazel could dance, she knew she could, but at the club her limbs didn’t seem to want to listen to her instructions. Hazel sipped her drink just so she’d have something to distract herself from her awkward motions.

“You’re overthinking it,” Vera said, eyes trained on Hazel. Her voice was deep and hypnotic, and somehow perfectly clear despite the loud music. “Don’t think about how you’re moving. Listen to the music. Feel the energy of the room.”

Hazel focused on the beat thumping through the floor. The people moving and grinding next to her. The way they all seemed to be under the same spell. She closed her eyes, trying to feel it – the rhythm, the energy. The transition wasn’t immediate, but one moment, Hazel was swaying, arms tight to her side, and the next she was flowing with the crowd. Letting the music guide her and the alcohol melt her worries away.

Suddenly, she wasn’t awkward or embarrassed, but moving confidently with the humans around her.

“See, that wasn’t so hard,” Vera said.

Hazel nodded, laughing in relief. Her giggles were quickly cut off, though, as Vera moved closer, holding on to Hazel’s hips.

“Is this okay?”

Hazel nodded again, though she didn’t laugh this time.

They moved against each other. It was no longer the surrounding crowd or even her drink making her feel warm now. It was Vera. Every touch burned her skin, as if she’d gotten too close a blazing fire. It was if Vera’s fingertips contained the energy of the room, and she was pressing it into Hazel, shocking her alive.

Vera’s eyes bore into Hazel’s. They were darker up close. It was as if Hazel was peering over a cliff with no bottom. One push and she’d fall forever. Vera’s skin was almost as dark, illuminated by the pink and blue lights swirling through the room, lightening the slight sheen of sweat on her face and shifting the color of her white hair. Hazel’s eyes darted to Vera’s full lips, then pulled away quickly, looking around. They’d somehow drifted to the center of the dance floor without Hazel noticing.

A couple nearby were lost in each other, their bodies and their lips pressed together as they swayed. Hazel watched them, her cheeks feeling even warmer somehow.

Hazel turned back to Vera, noticing the small smile across her lips. Vera leaned forward bringing her lips to Hazel’s ear.  “Hazel, can I kiss you?”

Hazel shivered at the brush of Vera’s breath against her skin, her heart hammering in her chest. She’d hesitated several times tonight, taking her time to think things through, and this was probably the most nerve-racking thing she’d done all day. She didn’t wait this time though. “Yes.”

Vera lips trailed across Hazel’s cheeks before pressing softly to her lips. She pulled away, looking at Hazel’s eyes for her reaction. Hazel’s lips tingled in Vera’s absence. She wanted to feel that softness again.

Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to Vera’s again. Vera sighed in relief. Her hands gripped Hazel’s hips tighter, pulling her even closer, but it still wasn’t close enough. Vera was a little taller than Hazel, so Hazel had to stand on her toes to wrap her arms around Vera’s neck. Her fingers moved naturally, entwining into Vera’s silver hair damp with sweat at the nape of her neck.

It wasn’t Hazel’s first kiss, but it may as well as been. It was the only kiss that had ever made her feel this free. This alive. It was a feeling she hoped would never end.

***

 Hazel’s head rested on Vera’s shoulder, their arms and fingers entwined. Hazel’s eyes drooped close as the bus swayed beneath them, but she forced them to stay open. She didn’t want to forget anything about this night.

The bus came to a stop sooner than Hazel hoped. Together, they climbed down the steps and outside. They were only a few steps from the gate, but they stood under the artificial light of the bus stop instead.

“You said Raven’s place was nearby, right?” Hazel asked, breaking the silence.

“Yeah, it’s a few blocks away. You see the top of that building over there? There’s a line of small chimneys.”

“Yes, I see it.”

“Ours is the last one. We’re on the top floor. The flat’s much smaller than the other ones in the building – it’s the only way Raven could afford to live so close. She could probably find a bigger and cheaper place somewhere else, but –”

“But she doesn’t want to be too far from you.”

“Yes.” Vera squeezed her hand, and Hazel squeezed it back. “It’s a great place though. We each have our own rooms, and we have a TV – gosh, I’ll have to show you what a TV is. And we have a balcony with plants, cushions, and a bunch of fairy lights. It’s like a little slice of home.”

“Fairy lights?” Hazel asked, confused.

Vera laughed. “It’s too hard to explain. You’ll just have to come and see it yourself sometime.” Vera tucked a curl behind Hazel’s ear, her face turning serious. “For now, though, this is where I leave you.” Vera’s words came out softly, but Hazel still flinched.

“You’re staying in the city?” Hazel asked, looking up at Vera.

“I am,” she replied, any hint of uncertainty gone from her voice. “Tonight, seeing the city again, through your eyes...it reminded me how much I love it. The park – it doesn’t bring me happiness. Not like the city...Not like you.” She opened her mouth to say more. Hazel waited for the words she hoped and dreaded to hear.

Vera closed her moth, apparently deciding against it, and instead pressed a soft kiss to Hazel’s lips.

Hazel knew Vera wanted to ask Hazel to stay with her in the city. To leave the park and come with her to the flat. And Hazel...Hazel would want to say yes, but she wasn’t where Vera was. She wasn’t ready yet. And Vera knew it too, which is why she held back. She didn’t want to sway Hazel, either way.

Hazel leaned into to kiss Vera again. Vera’s hand cradled the back of Hazel’s head, tilting it up to press into her firmly.

Eventually, Vera stepped back, gently pulling her hands away from Hazel’s, but not before pressing a kiss to the back of Hazel’s hand.

“Bye, Hazel,” Vera said. With one final glance, she turned, crossing the street and around the corner.

“Bye Vera,” Hazel replied, voice thick with tears. “Thank you.”

***

Back over the fence, Hazel walked to the park’s center in silence. The sky had just started to lighten, going from blackberry blue to blueberry. The park would be opening soon and most of the animals had probably already made the change back. The wild life was starting to lose its iridescent hue. The pond would no longer look be alluring with its haze of mist. It would be dull and flat, blending in with the ground until the sun appeared.

Hazel knew she should probably transition soon, but she couldn’t. She wanted to hold onto this night just a little longer.

A high-pitched voice cut through the silence, making Hazel jump. “Where did you disappear to?” Jade exclaimed, walking towards her. “I thought you were going to join us at some point. You’re lucky I’m still awake, Marcy and Thomas passed out hours ago.”

Hazel opened her mouth, ready to list off an excuse. Sorry I was too tired and ending up falling asleep. I went for a swim and the water was just too nice to leave. One of the squirrels dared me to climb a tree and I couldn’t get down until morning. But instead, what came out was: “I’m leaving.”

Jade laughed, “What do you mean you’re leaving? You just got here.”

“No, I mean, I’m leaving the park.”

Maybe it was impulsive and selfish and crazy, all the things that Hazel always avoided. But for some reason, it felt right. Her night in the city had been amazing. Yes, Vera was a big part of it, but it was more than that. It was the city. It was the people. The freedom that came with it. She wanted to feel it more than just every other day when she’d fly with her flock. She’d only seen just a tiny bit of it. Now she wanted more.

“You’re leaving the park?” Jade looked at her as if she’d just grown a second head.

“Not forever. But right now, I’m leaving.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Maybe.”

“Hazel, they’ll banish you. Like they did to Raven.”

This made Hazel hesitate – only for a moment, though. “Maybe you can help me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Please, Jade. I promise I’ll explain more later – tonight. Do you think you could just cover for me today?”

Jade inspected Hazel. She wasn’t sure whether she should try to calm her or ask some of the other geese for help, but at the look of pleading in her eyes, Vera sighed.

“You are insane, Hazel.”

“But you’ll do it?”

“I will. I don’t understand why you would want to, but I will. Only because you’re my best friend.”

Hazel leaped forward, startling Jade with a hug. “You’re my best friend, too.”

“I better be with all I’m doing for you,” Jade muttered, but she leaned into the hug.

“Thank you, Jade.”

***

Hazel made the change. She flexed her webbed toes and stretched her wings. She could never give up her goose form, even if she did eventually move into the city. She flapped her wings, pulling herself into the air.

She heard a squawk from bellow and looked to see Jade had also transformed. She honked back, before letting the current of air carry her up higher. She embraced the wind and the weightless feeling of flying. She’d missed it.

Hazel searched for the chimney Vera had pointed out last night. She worried that it would be harder to find from this angle - there were just so many chimneys – but she her eyes landed on it. The last one in the row.

Hazel dipped, coming closer to the building. She hoped she was right. There – she saw the balcony. The pillows and plants, and tiny little lights that flickered in the last flecks of darkness.

Hazel came to a stop in front of the window. She pecked on it softly, the rising sun behind her illuminating the window and reflecting her form. She worried that maybe Vera couldn’t hear her. She was ready to knock again when the door opened with a click and then Vera was there. Her dark eyes locked on Hazel’s and Hazel felt herself fall. Off the cliff and down into the bottom. She didn’t know if she’d ever stop. And she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

The End