Angel Feathers

Liberty

Eight-year-old Liberty watched raindrops chasing each other down the windowpane. Steady rainfall drummed overhead. She pulled back as lightning split the sky, followed by a rolling boom of thunder.

“Are we safe, Mrs. Fields?”

The lady running the orphanage stood nearby, taping up red, white and blue banners.

“Yes, Libby.” She guided the little girl away from the glass.

“Will my new parents still come to get me?”

“Of course they will, honey. Rain won't keep your family away. It may stop the evening fireworks, though.”

“I wanted to see them.” Her hazel eyes glimmered hopefully.

Mrs. Fields smoothed back Libby's blonde pageboy.

“You love sharing your birthday with the United States. It's double the fun. Soon, you'll have a third reason to celebrate.”

The thunderstorm tapered off late in the afternoon. Libby ran back and forth around the orphanage, checking the grandfather clock in the entry, peeking through every window, searching for her family.

“They'll be here soon.” Mrs. Fields handed Libby a broom. “Why don't you sweep to help soothe your jitters?”

Finally, as the first evening fireworks crackled, they arrived, with hugs and gifts. Mom wrapped her in a flag patterned blanket. Dad brought a funny tricorn hat for her to wear.

“Just in time to celebrate at the neighborhood cookout,” he said. “Let's go!”

They swung Libby between them as they strolled along the boardwalk. Sunset painted the waters pink and gold. They laughed, feeding seagulls with french fries.

“I love you, Mom and Dad.”

“We love you too, Liberty.”

Libby snuggled between her new parents, enjoying the sparkling jeweled lights spraying across the night sky. Someday, she would help other kids like her find loving families. For now, she was happy to celebrate her birthday, her adoption, and the founding of her homeland, all together.

Words: 300.
Written for "The Bard's Hall Contest" 
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