Bird Man
For The “Epic Beginnings” Challenge!
Surely, Sam was dreaming.
He rubbed his eyes hard before squinting into the mirror again, jaw going slack.
Holy shit.
Yesterday, Sam had been an ordinary seventy-eight year old man.
Today, he was a goddamn bird.
There, sprouting ridiculously from his back, were two long, feathery black wings.
“What in the hell is this?” Sam barked at his reflection. He rolled his shoulders, nearly gaping as his wings ruffled ever so slightly.
He must have died. That was the only thing that made sense. He must have died and gone to some weird, fucked up version of purgatory where regular men become oversized ravens.
Damn it, he never should have had an affair with that nurse while married to Alessia—bless her soul.
Sam decided to go out for a stroll to clear his head. He was seeing things—he had to be. He was just being delusional. A delusional old man.
With his chin held high, Sam ignored the fact that he was out and about without a shirt. Not because his wings prevented him from putting one on—surely not! It was a hot summer day, and he wouldn’t be the only one.
He ignored the incredulous stares he was getting from people around him. Nosy fuckers, as always. It was nothing.
It was nothing.
The sound of a loud honk sent him flinching. His head whipping, he spotted a small boy in the street, staring right into the headlights of a car in front of him.
His body moved before he did. He felt his shoulders roll, and then he felt himself shoot off the ground, his wings pumping powerfully as he soared forward and swooped the child off his street.
“Wow,” the kid panted out, his face aghast. “A bird!”
Sam’s face fell back into a scowl.
Goddamn it.
About the Creator
angela hepworth
Hello! I’m Angela and I enjoy writing fiction, poetry, reviews, and more. I delve into the dark, the sad, the silly, the sexy, and the stupid. Come check me out!
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By angela hepworthabout a year ago in Fiction
Comments (19)
I just had to drop a comment to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed your article! The juxtaposition of the mundane with the fantastical is nothing short of brilliant. The way you’ve woven Sam’s incredulity and eventual acceptance of his extraordinary metamorphosis into a raven is both riveting and delightfully humorous. Your vivid description of Sam’s transformation—from a “goddamn bird” to an unwitting hero—really captures the reader’s imagination and provides an engaging commentary on human nature and self-perception. The interplay of Sam’s internal struggle and his outwardly absurd situation is executed with such finesse that it’s both thought-provoking and entertaining. The narrative resonates on multiple levels, striking a perfect balance between absurdity and profound insight. It’s not just a whimsical tale about wings and transformation; it’s a reflection on personal redemption and the unexpected ways in which we find ourselves grappling with our own flaws. Kudos for crafting such a unique and compelling story. I’m eagerly looking forward to more of your work!
Congrats on TS. I love it.
Love the reluctance, would love to know his journey takes him!
Nice story!
Ooo! This is very intriguing! Congrats on the Top Story! I'd be super interested to see more of this, definitely a good beginning.
Can see this happening as a series ❤️very cool and I like how you have an old man as. A potential superhero
Lovely
Fun and entertaining!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!❤️❤️💕
Lol... Loved how the thought of what he was seeing prompted his abilities to come out even if he didn't know how to use them yet. Nice details for that part! And Congrats, Angela!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Beautiful and fun read! Love it! Congrats on top story!!
Haha! Love it so much. "Some weird, fucked up version of purgatory..." He might be a cheater and a would be hero, but he's still a bit of a loser, too. As Dharr Raja S said, 'end of story'. Congratulations on the Top Story - it's a great one!
Ugh, Sam cheated on his wife? I hate Sam. End of story, lol. I loved your hilarious take on the challenge!
Hahah! This is wonderful! Another great entry!
I was sure this would be wonderful by hitting the title. Thanks for made me happy with the decision.
Excellent origin story, I want to know more about him!
AHHHH I LOVE THIS! That is such a fun and cool story! 🩷 Love the idea of going against the expected for superhero and using an older character, and one who seems if anything, irritated by it all! haha. Hope you're having as much fun as I am with this challenge!
Hilarious!! So good, Angela - the interspersed cursing- loved it!😍
excellent story!