The Visit

Little Rosalie was lying in bed thinking of all the good things she was going to do tomorrow. For tomorrow was Saturday, and she’ll have two days off from school.  What fun she was thinking of having!!!

Then she heard something strange.  Her window was open for the night because there was a great fall evening.  As the breeze blew into her room, she heard the sound again.

 “OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO,” then silence. 

Rosalie sat up in bed.  “What was that?” She whispered to herself.  Everyone in the house was asleep.  Her mother. Her father, and sister and brother. 

Again she heard, “OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO.”  She jumped up towards the window and tried to look outside, but it was so dark.  She could not make out any figure or thing.

Then Rosalie called out softly, “who is there?”  She knew that all her family was asleep and she did not want to disturb them.  But the sounds were still coming through her window.  She listened tentatively. 

And again she heard, “OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO.”  Rosalie decided to go outside the house and find out what was making that sound.  Maybe it was a dog.  Maybe it was a small animal that needed help.  Rosalie was anxious to help the poor animal. 

Opening the door softly so as not to disturb anyone, she went outside and groped around the porch.  Then she left the porch and walked around the grassy yard. 

Again she heard, “OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO,” but this time it was louder.  She reached out with her hands in front of her and tried to touch the voice.  The moon shone brightly over the yard and suddenly Rosalie felt a soft animal. 

The animal did not dart away, but stood there making its sound, “OOO OOO OOO OOO OOO.”  Rosalie caught sight of the animal.  It was a big, beautiful owl.  It was not afraid to be touched by Rosalie. 

Rosalie talked to the owl.  “What a wonderful owl you are. I am so happy to have you visit me.  Why did you choose to visit me? It is a great gift that you have given me.” 

 The owl spoke “I’ve come to be your special friend. You have always been special to every animal in this yard.  I’ve come to take you for a ride on my back and fly to distant places.  I cannot tell you how long we will be, but you will be back for your morning breakfast.  Get on my back and we will travel afar.”