The Owl & the Night That Would Not End
A short story
Once upon a time, in a little woodland near the stormy sea, Night descended and made herself so comfortable among the sheltering trees and moss-covered stones that she decided to extend her stay.
In the shadows of her repose, the creatures of the woods became afraid. They awaited the return of Day, the warmth of her embrace, the light of her sun. But she never came, shouldered out with every cycle by her starless sister.
As Night grew in endlessness, a great horned owl swooped into the canopy of branches, right at home in the darkness. The creatures below began chattering, crying out for help. They told the owl that Night had overcome the forest. They were cold, hungry, and afraid.
Not to fear, the owl replied, for she could see perfectly in the darkness. She promised to stay and help them until Night retreated back into her usual cycle.
She helped the deer, foxes, squirrels, and other creatures find food, gathered leaves and moss to make their beds warmer, and told them stories of the faraway lands she had visited.
With her sharp eyesight as a guide, they began venturing further into the woods, to places they had never roamed, and found others to help, bringing them food, bedding, and the comfort of stories. They made unlikely friends as they wandered and searched, each new friendship glowing like an ember in the darkened land.
The light from these friendships began to irritate Night’s eyes. She tried resting in other positions, turning her face away, but the network of glowing friendships grew and grew.
Eventually, she became so tired from this tossing and turning that when her sister emerged again, trying to reclaim her place in the cycle of time, Night didn’t have the strength to edge her out. With a sigh of submission, she rose, letting the light begin to fill the forest once again.
The little creatures surrounded the owl, thanking her for her assistance, for her kindness, for her wisdom.
But there was one frightened little squirrel that stood in their midst, wringing her hands.
What if she comes back, she asked. What if Night comes back and refuses to leave again?
It is simple, the owl said. You must learn, like I did, to find your way in the dark.
With that, she flew away, on to her next moonlit adventure.
And the creatures in the woods lived happily ever after.
© Yael Wolfe 2019
