3 Chapter 3 Sy

Sy jumped down from the broken tractor with an 'umpf.' The height wasn't high, but Sy still had to bend down and rub her ankles. She made a pained face, but it didn't last.

Sy was back to smiling in no time. And she had good reason too.

"Finally," Sy spoke out, satisfied with herself. She lifted the cog above her head to appreciate her trophy. It had taken her all morning to wedge it out. Her hands were sore and red, but she paid it no mind.

Instead, Sy gazed up into the cog, enamored. Between the small openings, she could see the light poke through. Its' warmth hit her cheeks, making her give an appreciated coo.

Looks about lunchtime. Sy thought, peering at the past.

She lowered the cog and gave it a quick hug. Then, satisfied with herself, Sy opened her sack and dropped the part in. It rattled loudly against the other pieces she had already pulled.

Sy yanked the strap to shack the bag. Metal instantly clinked again. Sy giggled at the sound.

It's been a good day- I got a lot this time. Sy thought and took a look around. The field, or what mom called 'junkyard,' never proved to be a disappointment for Sy. There was always something new for her to scavenge.

Located to the far left of the house, there was a field. People around liked to use it to throw away what they didn't want. So over the years, Sy had found old farm equipment, spring mattresses, and even a carriage. And each time, Sy managed to find something new and exciting.

Her neighbors, just regular folk and not a witch like mom, favored the spot. Sy had no definitive answer as to why. But her mother, however, seemed to be well on the opinion that it was intentional.

"They do it to spite me for being a witch and refusing to work magic for them. Like I ever would, even if they paid me!" Sy could remember her mother once exclaiming.

Mom always seemed so irritated by it. But not as much as Sy going to the field. An act for which Sy would always get punished.

Unless she doesn't know, I do. Sy had learned rather quickly.

The child sat down on the grass. Her back leaned against the tractor. Her eyes fell half-open as she peered out in front of her. Across her way was the massive red structure. It walled the permitter of a forest, what mom called the "BlackWood." The structure was meant to keep magic-folk out of Terra with an electrical charge.

Now, Sy heard said electricity loudly hum amongst the natural sounds of birds and insects. Her mom told her it was called 'The Wall.'

I think that's why they throw stuff here, Sy thought, looking.

It's because of that thing. No one wants to come near it. So what better place to do it in.

Sy yawned. One hand rested over her sack. She gave a pat. The metal gave a pleased clink as she did so.

Sy felt tired now. It was hard work unhinging those parts without any tool except her hands. Her fingers now throbbed from the abuse and swoll. But Sy was happy. Her sack was full and heavy.

It was worth it.

"It'd be better if Mom just gave me a screwdriver- or a hammer," Sy whined. She closed her eyes, not intending to sleep. But, instead, to have a second of rest. She could feel the afternoon sun warm her cheeks. A small sheet of sweat was coming up.

Sy could feel it dampen her shabby dress.

Maybe I'll ask her for some tools this time, Sy thought. She smiled at the idea. Her eyes opened. It was something worth considering. After all, today was her best chance to get anything she wanted. Why not that?

Sy, musing the idea of one day having a whole toolbox filled with brand new tools and gadgets, heard a snap of a twig. It came from up high near the Wall. Sy looked over the tractor to see.

It was a bird's nest held up in a low branch that partially stretched over the Wall. Sy could see a mama bird snuggle up to a tiny chick. The papa bird swooped down to land next to them. They shuffled together until they all could fit in the nest. They looked happy with each other, resting and loved.

Sy dropped her smile. A cold feeling came to her chest. She looked into her empty hands.

Maybe, this time, I can ask her about… Sy didn't finish her thought. She did not want to gain any hope. It seemed to be the only thing her mother refused her.

But it might be different this time, Sy thought.

I am no longer a child. I'm five now.

Sy stood. The sack pulled heavy on her small shoulder. It hurt, and she had to grab at it to balance the weight.

"She'll tell me. This time she will. I know it." Sy voiced confidently. She smiled back up to the birds and turned. She walked toward the house aiming for the barn. She needed eggs and milk next.

There is still much to do. Sy thought resolutely. Her hands tightened around the strap as her heart skipped a beat. She could feel her chest swell with anticipation at the upcoming events of this special day.

I better hurry.