Hide's 100-word story for May 13, 2025

Hide wrote the following micro-story on Hectalex on May 13, 2025. Each story on Hectalex is inspired by a daily visual prompt and must be exactly 100 words.

The little girl I was babysitting yesterday didn’t speak. I never saw her smile, either. I did hear something like a rusty laugh, and I ran outside, but she was still sitting under the big oak. A baby bird had fallen out of its nest trying to fly. It was breathing too quickly, eyes closed and neck at an unnatural angle. Annabeth stared at it, unblinking. I scooped her up to take her inside, and she started wailing. I don’t think I’ll be babysitting for my neighbors again. When I woke up today, I noticed all the birds were quiet.

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