The goose came at me, beating its wings and hissing, its pink tongue vibrating. I stumbled back, only to find another of the cursed birds right behind me. I spun around and around, looking for escape, but everywhere I turned, on came another, and another. They were attracted to me like wolves to a fawn with a broken leg- they always were. That was why I’d panicked when Mom said we were moving to a lake house.

There were four of them, raising a ruckus now. Soon, the rest of the flock would hear and come to their aid.

“Nice ducky,” I said shakily. “Nice ducky. My name’s Ben, and I have a family, just like you. I didn’t mean to to upset you- now if you’ll just leave me alone, I’ll be on my way.”

My voice squeaked. The goose nearest me honked and hopped forward, looking as murderous as a migratory bird could. As slowly as if through mud, I bent down, grabbed a stick, swung it upward- and time froze.

“Not again!” I sighed. The geese remained stiff and still as living statues; not even the wind moved.