The First Notes of Night

Perched on a crescent branch, Orrie took a deep breath and began to whistle. The sound was soft as a sigh, gentle as a yawn.

“Hoooo-hooo, whoo-whoo… hushhhh…”

The breeze paused. The rustling leaves slowed.

Baby badgers snuggled deeper into their burrows. Field mice curled up under petals. Even the moon dipped a little lower, lulled by the sound. The forest began to hush.

A Whisper and a Wink

At last, the wind gave a final yawn and curled up in the crook of the clouds.

The stars shimmered a thank you. The trees stood still and peaceful.

Orrie smiled, closed his eyes, and tucked his wings gently around himself.
All of Whispering Woods was quiet now, still as a held breath.

And just before sleep took him, Orrie whispered,

“Goodnight, my wind. Dream soft, dream slow.”

And from that night on, the wind always waited
for Orrie’s lullaby before drifting off to sleep.

The End !