Like a lamb to the slaughter. Was that how Taylor should view his life? It sure was a good analogy. And how on earth were there people who could be so positive about life when a whole bunch of crap was thrown at them? Taylor had tried to be positive, tried to see the bright side, tried to believe that all things happened for a reason. It just didn't work, didn't settle well with Taylor. It wasn't the way he chose to think. So should he try to make the rest of his life worthwhile? No, flying wasn't possible.

Iris watched Taylor, eyes glazed as he gazed off in the distance. For the first time ever, she felt sorry for a human. Here was a boy with a spirit of an eagle, longing to soar. A boy who deserved this wish. But a boy who's wish would never be granted.

Across the field, a group of kids played kickball. Taylor longed to play with them, to enjoy himself. His life was almost over anyways, so who really cared?

"Mom, can I go across the field with the other kids?" He called down the stairs.

Pause.

"Sure, just be careful, ok sweety."

Taylor pumped his fist up and down. Yes! He walked out the door and across the field. Picking his way between wild flowers and blossoms and long stalks of grass and weeds. He looked up as his raven friend screeched overhead. She knew what he was doing. Stubbornly, he lifted his chin and fixed his gaze on the kickball game. He held his shoulders back and marched.

Iris began to panic as the realization of what Taylor was about to do dawned on her.