The Unlikely Companions🔊

Under the limitless expanse of a cornflower blue sky, in the quiet town of Wessington, North Dakota, blossomed an extraordinary friendship between a little boy named Ben and a rustled-old crow he had affectionately named Shadow.

Shadow had arrived on a gloomy, rain-soaked day, injured and unable to fly. Ben discovered the wounded bird in his backyard when he was returning from school, and without second thought, took it upon himself to nurse Shadow back to health. On the advice of his science teacher, Ben spent hours each day bandaging his wing, feeding him, and helping him slowly regain strength.

The boy and Shadow quickly developed an unbreakable bond, the bird often perching himself on the boy's shoulder, peering at Ben's schoolwork with his shiny black eyes or cawing in delight when Ben shared scraps of bread. Ben found more than friendship in this unusual companion; he discovered a sense of responsibility and empathy that he had never experienced before.

One day, as winter began to dust everything white, Ben noticed a change in Shadow. He would often flap his mended wing, letting out loud caws and the boy understood that Shadow was ready to fly again. Heart aching but firm, Ben knew that to love meant to let go, decided to set him free.

The day arrived, bitter and cold. As snowflakes fell gently, Ben picked Shadow up, feeling his tiny heart beat fast. He whispered his goodbyes, tears brimming in his eyes, and launched Shadow into the snowy morning. Shadow hesitated for a moment, then soared into the sky, disappearing into the clouds. Ben stood, his heart both empty and full, watching till the last trace of Shadow disappeared against the wintry sky.

Years passed. Ben grew up but his bond with Shadow remained etched in his soul. He often thought of the crow and what he had taught him about love, care, and letting go.

One particularly cold winter morning, Ben, now a student studying Ornithology at the North Dakota State University, woke up to find a pair of shiny black eyes gleaming down at him from the foot of the bed. A rustled old crow cawed gleefully, flapping its one wing with a healed scar down its length.

Shadow, Ben realized as joyful tears sprang to his eyes. Shadow had returned.

The crow had not forgotten the small boy who had cared for him. Returning to the fully grown man was his way of displaying gratitude, reminding Ben that their bond was timelessly secured. Relationships like Ben and Shadow's become a constant reminder that kindness showed shall forever be remembered and respect granted shall always be reciprocated.