Smart Owl

Galina gasped as she ran in the forest looking behind her. Fire was all around her as she ran through the forest. Fear clenched her heart as she ran in hope that she would find safety and help. The burn on the back of her left shoulder stung but it didn’t hinder her ability to run. Looking forward, Galina cried in joy seeing a river up ahead. Picking up her pace Galina soon made it to the river. Once there she went as deep as her knees. Just then her phone rang causing Galina to jump as she grabbed her phone from her singed and smoke smelling jeans. “H-hello?” Galina croaked out her throat scratchy from the smoke and dry from not having any water for a long time.

“Galina! Oh my baby I’m so glad to have finally heard your voice.” Galina's mother said her voice was filled with happiness and relief. Galina held a hand to her mouth as a strangled sobbed came from her dry throat,

“Mom! Wh-what happened and it’s so good to hear your voice as well.” Galina said as tears started to stream down from her eyes to the tip of her chin. Galina's legs shook a little from fatigue and happiness.

“Oh, my darling girl, there was a major rock slide that triggered a forest fire where you and your boyfriend were camping. Speaking of which is Jonathan alright is he with you?” Galina's mother asked, worried creeping into her voice. Galina lost the smile she had at the reminder of her boyfriend. Soon the tears of happiness and relief were replaced with tears of worry. She frantically looked around to see if she could spot anyone. Feeling her heart drop upon realizing that she was the only one in the area, Galina focused on the call again.

“I don’t know what happened to him, mom? One moment we were both running from the first fire and the nest we were getting separated by a fallen tree. Which hit me with one of it’s burning branches, but I’m fine besides the scratch on my back.” Galina said in a quick and panicked tone.

“Galina, my baby girl. calm down. Help is on the way and I promise people are looking for Jonathan.” Galina mom said in a soothing tone through the phone. Galina nodded even though she knew her mom couldn’t see it. Just then a barn owl swooped down and landed on a log as it stared at Galina. Its charcoal eyes stared at Galina who stared back in shock. It hooted twice before flying over to Galina and grabbed her phone from her hand that had lowered while Galina was in a trance staring at the owl.

“Hey! That’s my phone, give it back!” Galina yelled at the barn owl as she chased it. She was still in the river causing Galina to make a lot of noise while running. But this also made Galina get even more tired. The barn owl landed on the shore and dropped her phone then went to a nearby tree. There it stayed on a branch way too high for Galina to be able to reach it. Galina walked onto the shore and grabbed her phone while glaring at the barn owl. Whipping her head around Galina stared wide eyed at the bush that had moved and the twig snapping had originated from. A man who was well built in torn and stained sweats stumbled out. He had soot and dirt all over his arms and bare chest along with scratches. “Jonathan!” Galina yelled as she ran to her boyfriend. Jonathan looked at Galina with relief and love as he embraced her. Jonathan scanned Galina with his dark chocolate brown eyes for any injuries. But at the moment Galina was clinging to him. He hugged her tightly around the waist whispering comforting things as they stood there in each other's embrace. Waiting for help to arrive so they may be treated and go home where it's safe together.

“Galina? Galina, are you there? GALINA!” Galina's mother said on the phone worried and slowly started to freak out when Galina didn’t reply. Pulling away Galina put her phone to her ear.

“I’m okay mom. And Jonathan is okay as well. We’re coming home together.” Galina said as she stared into Jonathan's eyes with happiness. Jonathan smiled at her, having the feeling that Galina wasn’t just talking to her mom.

“Oh thank goodness. Well I am over the moon to hear that, but how did you find Jonathan so quickly?” Galina asked calmly. There was a pause for a moment before she said anything.

“Let's just say that owls are just as smart as people think they are at times.” Galina said as her eyes flickered to the barn owl.