FICTION WITH A POINT: Shelter From the Storm by Laura Farrar

Rain struck unmercifully at the foggy windowpane. Striking the side of the house monotonously. Kristy sighed and watched the dreary weather. “Another storm. Not what I needed today.” It took all her strength to roll out of her bed. It seemed like she didn’t want to do much of anything anymore. Sleeping was her reprieve. The only time she could escape life. Run from the homework, jobs, chores, projects, and family troubles. It was the only way out.

When did this all start? When did I lose interest in living? Tears streaked her pale cheeks. She didn’t even recognize the tired girl she saw in the mirror. If only she could just lay in bed forever.

“Kristy, are you ready for school?” Her mom’s voice echoed through the hallway.

“Am I ever?” Kristy muttered while yanking a comb through her hair. “Don’t you get it? I hate school. I can’t wait until it’s over.” Heaving a sigh, she grabbed her backpack and turned the doorknob. A twitter in the tree outside her window made her pause. “What the...?”

Kristy dropped her backpack, and pressed her face against the cold glass. Sitting on a branch was a mother robin and her baby. The tiny bird was chattering away. Then she saw it. Even though it was pouring rain, the baby was safe and sound.

Sheltered. She watched the robin, sitting dry and warm under its mother’s wing. “Resting in its parent’s wings. Getting shelter from the storm... Maybe I wasn’t made to handle all these pressures on my own.” She sank to her knees. “God, okay, maybe I’ve been wrong. I guess You do care for Your little ones.” Kristy smiled ruefully. “Let’s start over, all right? This time I’ll let You give me shelter.”

Chirping outside the window surprised Kristy. A ray of sun shimmered through a light mist and the little robin was fluttering its wings. With a squeak it started to fly through the air. Flapped its wings and sailed around the tree under the watchful eyes of its mother. Kristy shook her head and laughed. “You know how to start your life, don’t you little birdie?”

Kristy turned, this time with a little hop, and pulled on her backpack. Her grin spread. As she opened her door, she turned to look for the bird once more. There it was. Still flying through the sky, mist and all.