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A feather... A simple feather... Carefully, he smoothed out the small white feather that fit in the palm of his hand, making sure that the shafts were all in place. To him, it was a perfect creation, previously part of a bird, though what kind he did not know. Yesterday, while taking a walk in the forest with his golden retriever, Rex, he had found it lying on the ground, molted from it's previous owner he supposed. For some reason, he had felt drawn to it, and had picked it up, taking it back to his little cabin and washing it, then leaving it to air dry. Everyday, he preened it with his fingers, enjoying the soft, smooth feel of the feather. Yet it was just a feather, a simple feather... Placing the feather in the well-made mahogany box he had bought, the young man smiled, a silly little natural smile. One that came from both his pride in himself for having put together such a pretty little presentation, and also from the joy that he anticipated the receiver would feel. A top of the feather, which was nestled snugly in a bed of black silk, was a gorgeous gold necklace with a heart locket. All together, the gift had cost him a lot money, but to him, the feather was the most important part. Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather... With much care, he closed the box, then tied a silk red ribbon around it. After making sure the bow was perfect, he taped the note he had written earlier to the box, then stood back and admired the present. She had to like it, she just had to. Especially the feather. Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird... Tucking the gift into his forest green backpack, he ventured outside, running a hand through his wild black hair. Whistling sharply, he called for his horse, Diamond, a beautiful grey mare he had raised himself. She trotted around the corner, already saddled, and he mounted her, his green eyes sparkling with joy. With a soft kick, he told the mare that he was ready to go, that he was ready to tell Hannah that he loved her. Hopefully, the feather would do the trick... Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird that he had found... The ride into town was only five minutes on Diamond, and it was not long before Brian found himself standing in front of Hannah's small little house. Not a really outstanding home, but a home nonetheless. Ringing the doorbell, he waited for her to answer, his heart beating faster than a greyhound could run. Would she like the feather? He set his backpack down and took the gift out, waiting for her. Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird that he had found while walking in the woods... Hannah opened the door, her brown hair freshly brushed back into a ponytail and her blue eyes wide awake. Had she been about to go somewhere? Before she said anything, he thrust the box at her, asking her to open it. Surprised, she undid the ribbon right there and opened it, her eyes widening when she saw what it contained. A gold necklace, and an elegant white feather on a bed of black silk... Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird that he had found while walking in the woods, nothing special... Her eyes suddenly started watering, and she was biting her lower lip as a little smile crept onto her face. She opened the door wider, beckoning him to come in. Closing the door behind him, she set the box down on the table in the entrance room, then took out the feather, admiring it's simple beauty. Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird that he had found while walking in the woods, nothing special, yet at the same time, able to convey a powerful message... "I love you." Brian said, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months of hidden pain suddenly summed up in those three words. Hugging him fiercely, Hannah nestled her head next to his, and whispered four words in his ears that he would never forget. "I love you too." Forgotten for that moment, the feather dropped out of her hand, floating gently to the ground and landing on her red Persian carpet. Yet it was just a feather, one simple white feather from an unknown bird that he had found while walking in the woods, nothing special, yet at the same time, able to convey a powerful message, a message of love, and one that would never be forgotten. ------------------- |