The Little Bird (Short fantasy story)

I learned to read when master left her book on the counter near the stove. I learned to write by copying these very letters. I only know what they mean when I’ve encountered… the little bird. The little bird lied in its cage asking me questions about their little sister everyday. I wonder why he so desperately wanted to see someone who is no longer here. Does he not know? Does he not look through my eyes like master does? 

Master says thinking is wrong and I must not ask. Then why did she gift me the ability to hear? 

One day… the little bird wanted to know something different. How was my day. Master never wanted to know I had emotions. So I kept a blank face. When I smiled, it was crooked like an uneven shelf. I said I was happy. The little bird was too. Especially when it told me that in two weeks they’ll be gone. 

I still crave his attention. He was the only one that cared about me. I look to others as they talk about things that they’re interested in. Things that I could never relate to. I see people drawing and wonder, If I could draw pretty pictures… would *you* talk to me? I watch people run and play and I ask myself.. If I could run as fast as them, would they let *me* play? 

I think to myself.. why didn’t the little bird love me when I let them out of the cage? 

Master says… it’s because I am….

Unwanted.