The bird's antennae slowly lowered, curling around my hand like soft, living vines. Its feathers brushed my palm and arm with a delicate tickle, so light it felt like a secret whispered only to me.
Suddenly, a voice echoed deep inside my mind, low and steady.
"You."
...
"You. Not normal."
Huh.
I knew I wasn't crazy. I heard the creature's voice clearly; I couldn't define its sound or language, but I understood it instinctively.
"Special human."
I looked at Silver, tilting my head, as it slowly tilted its head in response, shuffling closer to me.
"Be.... Partner."
"Name me."
At this moment, I found myself utterly bewildered, standing in a haze of confusion.
I looked at the bird, who was staring deep into my eyes.
This bird.
The bird was talking to me, I wondered if I could even recall that speaking animals were in my novel.
All of a sudden, the bird came a little closer as if urging me to respond.
