Chapter 5: The Small Bird
Francesca loved working in the garden with Abuela more than anything. Her childhood friend, Cecily, and she were going to plant tomatoes with Abuela today. The sun was high in the sky and Abuela scolded her for not wearing her straw hat.
The sun will be powerful warrior today Ha'Na Panai! You must wear the hat I made for you!
Reluctantly, Francesca rose from her knees, brushed off the dirt, slapped her hands on her coveralls and walked towards the house.
A small Acacia tree grew alongside the garden and as was her routine, she would stop to check on the small nest that was nestled between the twisting branches. A nest of a tiny finches resided in the tree, and where previously there were eggs, now small chirping babies crowded the nest. On tiptoes, she peered into the nest and saw two small birds. Puzzled as to why there were three eggs, yet only two birds, she investigated. On the ground barely moving was the third bird. It was tucked into a grassy turf and was attempting to right itself. Francesca bent down and picked up the little bird and attempted to put it back in the nest. Abuela, nearby scolded her.
"Ha'Na Panai, it is no use! The mother will just push it out!
But why Abuela? Its her baby.
Abuela remembered the time when Francesca was not wanted by her mother and chose not to tell her. Instead, she picked up the little bird and looked at its eyes.
Do you see how this one has black eyes. It is blind! It will not survive.
How could a little bird be blind? asked Francesca. Its not fair."
"I'm sorry. It is natures way, replied Abuela.
"I will care for it and it will live, insisted Francesca.
Francesca made a small nest of straw and cornstalks and placed the little bird in it with a small doll. She placed a prayer card with a likeness of St. Francis in the nest and went back out to the garden to find something for it to eat. She found some bugs in the garden along with a small worm, which she placed in the nest. Happy with herself, she returned to finish planting with Abuela and Cecily. The threesome worked tirelessly for hours planting and placing wire cones over the plants.
Cecily's father arrived later and collected his daughter. Abuela and Francesca went back into the house. Francesca checked on her little charge. It was moving but made no attempt to eat its captive dinner. She stroked its head and saw it was still moving. She was encouraged and ran to Abuela to tell her.
"Abuela, its still alive. It will eat. You will see!"
Abuela smiled and muttered to herself.
"Where is your mother?I wish I knew when she's coming home."
In the morning Francesca bolted out bed and ran straight towards the nest. Hoping to see a cheerful little bird, she stopped in disbelief by what she saw. The bugs were feasting on the eyes of the bird and the worm was working its way through the mouth of the bird. Horrified, Francesca exclaimed.
Why did it die? Its not fair!"
Abuela, who was already moving about in the kitchen, sauntered over to Francesca and clasping her hands in hers, spoke.
"My child. Every living thing must die at some time. The great father needs these little bugs, so the next little bird can eat them. It is nature, and no one can change it, replied Abuela.
Not satisfied with the answer she was given, Francesca picked up the little nest and marched out the door. She dug a small grave next to the Acacia tree and buried her little friend. She placed the prayer card of St. Francis over the grave. She said a small prayer and collected her books in the house, kissed Abuela on the cheek and walked herself off to school.