The Kingdom

Once upon a time there was a charcoal-gray bird named Sunshine. She’d been a servant in the kingdom for many a year. She watched kings both come and go, along with numerous soldiers. But Sunshine stayed on, for hers was the most valued post. She cared for the children.

As time passed, although the kingdom remained, the surrounding area changed. Sunshine continued to gladly fly out to mingle; for she loved even the eggs. The promise of new life spurred her on and she would invite expecting parents to visit the kingdom. Many of the birds agreed to come and Sunshine encouraged them to bring their children, even those who had not yet hatched.

The king smiled upon the newcomers, hiding behind a mask of acceptance. He would assess the birds silently, fearing he would be forced to share his throne. Some of the birds sang different songs melodies he could not understand. And Sunshine somehow did understand; she almost even remembered why. But the king feared change, so had the soldiers challenge her. They continued this behavior relentlessly and it was not long before Sunshine began to doubt. Soon she lost trust in her very self.

Newer soldiers replaced older soldiers. Sunshine was told she should concern herself only with the children. She was given her own area within the kingdom and the children followed her, each holding eggs as they went. She was told to attend a weekly assessment, during which another could be assigned to watch the children. Sunshine opened her mouth to protest, but instead nodded in agreement. Surely a few hours away from the children couldn’t hurt?

As Sunshine took her post, a new soldier was taking his post, as well. He had pledged his life to the king and now the parents were following him to the far end of the kingdom. The parents went joyfully as they now had a soldier who could speak and understand their melodies, as well as those of the king. They did not even consider how far they would be from their fledglings and eggs, for they trusted Sunshine and did not know of the meetings she would need to attend. The king sighed in deep satisfaction: his dedicated soldier would keep the parents away, and Sunshine would teach the children to understand the songs of the kingdom.

Soon Sunshine was told she was to teach only the songs of the kingdom. Concerned the children would forget the melodies of their parents, she continued to allow them to sing these songs a couple of hours per week. But the king sent soldiers to again challenge her. It was not long before Sunshine no longer remembered the parents, or their melodies. And the children were taught conformity in the guise of obedience and submission. They sang only the songs of the kingdom.

Parents began to leave the kingdom, taking their children and eggs with them. So, the king called for his dedicated soldier. But the soldier, overwhelmed already, sent a parent to help. The king was taught to understand the parents’ melodies and soon it appeared as if he cared for those who continued to live in the far end of his kingdom. Yet the children continued to learn only the songs of the kingdom. The king’s knowledge was used solely for the purpose of obtaining new soldiers. The kingdom would grow, as families dissolved, and it would become the only true family.

Sunshine, again, grew troubled. Had she not heard these new recruiting melodies before? And shouldn’t the children also learn them? Should not the children also increase the kingdom? But the king dismissed Sunshine’s hesitation, saying that she wasn’t meant to understand. He insisted that the melodies were new and that they were far too difficult for a child to learn.

Later that day, a bright, colorful parrot entered Sunshine’s area of the kingdom. This parrot had watched over the children whenever Sunshine had attended a meeting. But Sunshine could not concern herself with such matters; the king had weighted her down with much to do. He assured her that these new tasks were necessary for the expansion of the kingdom. She saw less and less of the children. Soon, being charcoal-gray, Sunshine had all but disappeared into the shadows. All eyes were on the vibrant, beautiful, and energetic parrot.

Many days passed before the king met again with Sunshine. She felt honored that the king would remember her and was sure that she’d receive his praise at last. But the soldiers were also at this meeting. Sunshine soon found herself outside of the kingdom for the first time in many years; she had failed the king. He had not said she had failed, yet why else would she be outside the kingdom? Although free for the first time in ages, Sunshine returned to the kingdom the only family she remembered; she would continue to work silently, unnoticed in the shadows.

So how does the story end? There are numerous possibilities. It could end right here, or like a fairytale, it could end happily. Any number of words could be written. Abundant possibilities exist. But allow me to leave my story on a cheerful note the most unlikely, but the one we all prefer.