Another Day
By F. G. Baker
Prompt: Childhood Fears…

The shadow was the only warning that he had of an attack. In that instant, he caught the dark form against the sun and the ancient childhood fear surged through him as if it were yesterday. He only had time to step to the side and, staying low, begin strong, desperate beats to move out of the danger. He saw others do the same as they all sought the safety of the pond some yards away.

The evil killer came on, ugly talons extended as giant weapons, wings tucked for sudden speed and eyes focused on one thing only, what he though was easy prey. The sudden move left paid off and the speeding death had to correct course, a little and then enough to cause it to leave its ideal tuck and move a wing to turn and finally flare, losing speed and with that surprise. The killer pulled up as the prey winged an arc into the pond.

The fear caused a sudden bitter taste in his mouth as he floated on the water, now safe with his fellows. The killer perched on a wire, menacing from above, waiting for one false move, one panicked attempt at freedom. They all waited, aware of the evil threat that watched from on high. At nightfall, the killer would leave, only to return with no warning the next day or the next. They would also leave to continue their fragile lives as best they could.