Return of the Night Owl

Yarha was only seven years old when she learned of an untold secret. Hidden at the top of the hill was the “Tree of Life”. The tree was no ordinary tree. It had great significance to Yarha. The tree trunk shed as it aged, flaunting in it new skin, blossomed in the spring and stood bare during winter. This year was the year of “old lady summer.” This particular summer went into the fall, cheating the the season of winters day to come. November was her name, a time when nature glowed in gold, the sky ripples with shadows of the sun, as the days grew short and the nights were young.

Yarha often visited the “Tree of Life,” and there she had discovered all the wonders of the world. “We all share one sky, one land and one world,” Yarha whispered to the tree. “The trees are our forest and the grass is theirs”. Yarha’s hobby was building miniature figures out of scraped twigs and vines. She built a mini kingdom, and around it a fort. Yarha even used materials from the tree and made her own slingshot to use as a tool. Yarha found enjoyment in observing the living amongst the rich soil. She favored the “black solder ants,” is what she called them. The colony of black solder ants marched in rows, signal their antenna’s to carry out treasures, food and even there wounded. They lived buried deep in the ground, to where they call home by nightfall.

Yarha played a role of many disguises in the form of gentle creatures. At times she may be an ant soldier, mimicking their every move. She’d also been a beetle with horns, a red polka dotted ladybug, a butterfly, and even a grasshopper, but never a “sea dirt worm” as they tend to only swim in soil.

Churpi is the most independent of them all. Churpi the chipmunk is a mammal, one of Yarha’s closest friend who Yarha shares her nuts with. Churpi is always excited to see Yarha. “Oh Churpi, you’ve gotten soo big,” Yarha giggled as she pulled out a stash of nuts. Today, Churpi did something unusual. Churpi did not eat Yarha’s nuts. Instead, Churpi stuffed it’s face as it’s cheeks stretched out like a ballon, then ran straight home deep down into the soil.

Churpi hopped back out of its whole in such a hurry. “You must be gathering for late winter. You can have my share.” Yarha surrendered the remaining of her nut to Churpi. “I’ll be back by morning with plenty more.” Yarha turned away to head home and noticed a large shadow hovering above the ground. She looked up, and there it was, it landed at the top of the “Tree of Life.” It was large, with gigantic wings. It had a round white and fluffy face, short low beak, long claws and gauging eyes. It was beautiful, sand coated covered in freckled spots. It was an owl, Yarha called it “The crown,” a phrase meaning a family of royalty.

But then Yarha grew frantic, almost pale as she watched Churpi scatter around for food. “Churpi!” Yarha cried out. “Churpi!” Yarha ran towards the “The Tree of Life” as she watched the owl soar towards Churpi. It was a race of time. Yarha stumbled and at the blank of an eye, Yarha watched the owl fly away, landing at the top of the barn from down bellow. Yarha was unsure if Churpi was safe. There was no way of knowing so she had to act quickly.

Down the hill was an abandoned barn, standing still through time. Apu, Yarha’s father warned Yarha to never go down bellow the hill, for it was no child’s playground. Yarha’s innocence only yearned of curiosity. As Yarha gazed at the barn, her mind often wondered of what secrets laid beyond. The barn was now Yarha’s battle ground. Yarha’s heart filled with anger and fear. She was distorted by her emotions as this was her last chance to save her dearest Churpi.

Yarha quickly climbed the tree, pulled out her slingshot and aimed for the owl’s feet. She noticed that the owl had a grip. Yarha squeezed tightly on to the sling, hoping that it was not Churpi. The owl suddenly opened it’s wings and there, Yarha took her shot nipping the owl right at the leg. The owl seemed startled, hesitant and confused, uncertain to what had happened to its meal and immediately soared off into the sunset. It was late into the day, and Yarha was out of time. She was now late passed her curfew, had she succeeded with her rescue?

“Yarha!” Apu called out from a distance. “Yarha, it is past your day out. Now come inside!” Apu did not sound pleased. Yarha, quickly gathered herself, climbed down the tree and ran home. Yarha ran straight to Apu’s arms in tears. “Yarha! Yarha! What is the matter?” Apu asked Yarha. “Churpi was taken by the owl, I tried to help with Churpi’s escape but it’s too late Apu! It’s too late!” Apu noticed how traumatized Yarha had been and promised to help look for Churpi in the morning.

That night, Yarha could not sleep, anxiously waiting for morning to come. Then came sunrise, Yarha could hear nothing but silence. Anya, Yarha’s mother was in the kitchen baking fresh nuts, while Apu prepared his tools for the day. Yarha ran straight to the “Tree of Life,” while carrying a bag of Churpi’s favorite delights. There was no sign of Churpi at the tree nor in its home. Yarha sat at the tree with disappointment and grief as she remembered that she was forbidden to go down the hill and to not disobey Apu’s orders.

Yarha gazed down at the barn, hopping for some sign of Churpi. There was Apu, standing down the hill at the door of the barn, waving to Yarha to come down the hill. Yarha ran down as fast as she could. Apu was carrying a basket and over it covered with a blue cloth. Yarha suddenly slowed down with anticipation of what to expect. Apu uncovered the blanket and revealed the basket. “Churpi?” Yarha questioned with a saddened voice. Churpi did not move. Yarha fell to the ground in tears. Apu kneeled down next Yarha. “Yarha, I want you to look closely.” Yarha gazed at Churpi. “Churpi’s alive…..” Yarha whispered in surprise. “Yes, I came to the barn last night when you told me what happened and found Churpi hurt, hidden at the corner of the barn. If Churpi made the night, Churpi has a chance of survival,” Apu explained. “For now, Churpi will come home with us for a full recovery.”

Yarha was thrilled. Upon Churpi’s full recovery, Apu and Yarha had set up a cozy area for Churpi at the barn, where Churpi would be safe and free from all harm. The barn had become a refuge camp for Yarha’s creature friends. The barn was their castle, and around it the fence was their fort. Yarha was their knight and protector and their very own personal vet.