The next day, Jeremy opened his eyes wearily. “Ugh…”
Though it was already noon – to his surprise when he looked up at the clock on the wall – he felt like he had a sleepless night. Then he remembered Jay. Oh my God! I wonder if they found Jay yet! He thought, and waited impatiently until his grandfather came into the room.
With a box!
“You found Jay!” he exclaimed.
Grandpa didn’t seem as elated. “Yes, we found Jay… But not the way you probably wanted us to…”
Jeremy got pale. “Jay… is he…”
“Dead,” Grandpa looked down to the floor. “You see, there was a horrible storm last night. We found the tree in which he took nest, it was right near your house. He- he was on the ground… dead.”
Jeremy felt the ball of fire in his chest rising up like it had so many times. His eyes blurred up and he closed them tight. No! Jay couldn’t be dead! It must be a dream! He pinched himself again and again, but it didn’t end. Then the tears he had tried to supress burst out and he didn’t try to stop them.