“… and they’re all descendants of the flightless theropods that lived among the dinosaurs. Evolution gave them the power of flight after the air higher up became more hospitable. I imagine the clouds of ash weren’t too inviting to a feathery rat look-alike. Do you think thousands of years from now, we’ll look softer and less defined too?”
A denim jacket and tan cargo pants suited the scholar, overlooking a city from the edge of a cliff. The distant light of a bonfire warmed her back, but she and the jacket had been through too much to grow unfamiliar now.
“If we make it that long, I’m sure we’ll have longer necks and more curved spines. They’ll be better for reaching whichever succulent silicone we carry at the time.”
“Yeah, yeah, put it away, dude. I only exchange contact info on the second meeting.”
“Not even a name to my face? Hardcore autistic. I like it!”
“Pfft!” She spat a giggle, “I just didn’t think it mattered yet. A name is your identity, not my memory. There’s plenty of time to make both. You don’t hide much from conversation, do you?”
“No,” the young man shared, “I don’t have time for negativity. I figure if people want to think poorly of me, they’ll do it regardless of my actions. I’ve spent too long hating what life has to offer.”
The scholar leaned back, staring in a haze, “Have you ever thought we were meant to be something else?”
A bat swoops overhead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Afterword for My Regulars
This is my shortest flash fiction yet. When I hear the word romance, I think a sensually directed connection between two unlikely protagonists, to share a journey. When I say romance, I mean it’s an adventure where the impossible becomes a choice, and the path you choose can include a close companion. Do you know anyone who needs a traveling buddy? Go for it! Who knows what will happen!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Part of My Creative Process!
I reached out to an expert on evolutionary process from the time of the dinosaurs to get a comment about birds and their journey to become what they are today. He’s a loyal, long-time friend of mine, and I couldn’t have made this piece without his insight. After all, why would I just check Reddit? He’s much more reliable than an unknown factor. Just to be sure, I double-checked with the National Audubon Society. Depending on the specialized field, scientists can have varied thoughts on the same topic, so I felt to check with a recognized society as well.
As I often do, I listened to some beats on Youtube to keep my hands on task and my mind on track. I have recently discovered a most helpful channel for keeping distractions at bay. Isochronic beats from this creator are an instrumental part of my daily process, and I can’t recommend them any higher! They’re absolutely indispensable.