It was getting late, the fire in the cabin blowing out with your breath. Everyone was asleep—except you. You stayed up, just thinking. You continued to ponder in the dark, only a few embers enlightening the room.

Your thoughts landed on Taph. You haven’t seen them in some time—this whole month actually. You were getting worried. Were they ok? You knew they were in their room—but…what if they weren’t..? You began to fret, picturing the worse scenario known to man-kind.

Once you thought they might have been taken you instantly hopped to your feet and headed to Taph’s room at a fast pace walk. Rushing up there to make sure they were okay. When you made it there you knocked on the door. After a few seconds you knocked again—a little more urgent.

After a few minutes you opened the door with a quiet click and came inside. You were instantly hit with the smell of feather twinged with a strange sweet smell. You wandered into Taph’s room, the scent getting stronger. Almost overwhelming. You ignored it and placed your hand on their door-handle. You opened the door to see…A nest..?

It was on Taph’s bed, made from various blankets, pillows, and other soft objects. You stared for a second before seeing a bundle of Taph’s feathers everywhere. You froze as you saw Taph sleeping in the nest. You stared in awe but the shock instantly turned into dread as you saw him get up, look around and their gaze land on you. Their wings draped over their lap. Then you connected the dots, all the feathers, the sweet scent, and the absence of Taph..It was shedding season..