Ethan's Good Day
A very short story regarding a fox's lovely day at a nearby park.
I know I said in that journal that my longer story should be up by now, but my beta reader got back to me recently and I'm trying to consider how to best implement their advice still. In the meantime, have this much shorter thing I wrote on a whim without editing or anything.
It was a good day. The park was truly beautiful this time of year. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, the brook was babbling. It was hard to think of what could be better than this.
At least, that's what Ethan thought. He was lying on a tree-covered hillside, enjoying the grass and the sun and birdwatching. The park was full of birds, common and uncommon, and he often came out for a look. His white-tipped tail swayed easily behind him as he peered through his lens down at the treetops further down, birds flitting from one the next. The fox always enjoyed his moments of leisure. He had gotten up early specifically to enjoy the birds before he had to work.
His gaze settled on a crow, and he smiled. Crows were common enough, but he had long liked crows. He had befriended one by feeding it when he was young, and every year it came back to see him. Crows were scavengers, and he was always willing to help them with that.
His eye caught on an avian walking down a path. The blue jay strode purposefully, a fox much like Ethan a pace behind. The fox wore a leather jacket, an unusual choice in the heat. Ethan turned his attention back to the blue jay. He was talking into a Bluetooth, looking agitated. Apparently he found no peace in his surroundings. Ethan took a moment to silently wish the avian some of the peace he found here. Then he pulled the trigger, and a moment later, the jay collapsed.
Ethan noted the fox draw a pistol from his coat and look for the shooter as he crouched to check on his boss. Then Ethan was dissembling his rifle, putting it back into his bag. He was packed up and strolling away long before anyone came to check his position.
Ethan thought of the crow he had seen and smiled. Fresh meat for it. Ethan was whistling softly as he left the park and the birds behind. It was a good day.