Killdeer Dance

by Ronn Fryer

  “Yeah,” he reminded her, “And I almost pissed myself when you ate one of her bonbons.”

  Recalling the event, Tina couldn’t contain her grin. “Oh yeah, what a bitch! She didn’t deserve those chocolates.”

  Cal chuckled and nodded in agreement. “Go ahead take the car, it’ll get you anywhere. It’s yours as long as you need it. Damn thing’s been sitting in that garage long enough.”

  Tina looked at the keys resting in her hand. Even if she somehow managed to get all new tires for the Sabre, she knew her six hundred dollar vehicle was totally unreliable – probably wouldn’t have made it much past Tawas without the fan belt breaking and the engine overheating.

  Resigned to his generosity, Cal’s unofficially-adopted little sister couldn’t think of any possible way to thank him. The prolonged hug and kiss lavished on his cheek hardly seemed adequate. Ruthie’s only remaining employee, however, disagreed. Although he wouldn’t have parted with his pristine VW bus for any amount of money, he considered her happiness payment-in-full.

  Chapter 7 – Setting the Kits Free

  Most people assume that foxes are simply wild animals with limited cognitive ability. The little canines might be surprisingly adept at finding food or evading the hounds, but that wasn’t to be confused with a high level of intelligence; and they certainly are not capable of any sort of empathy. Compassion is strictly a human trait. Likewise, only the human heart suffers the wrenching pain of separation. Mothers, however, are not most people.

  Olivia only had two things to do this day – drop the truck off at the ranger station, and set her babies free. The first tugged slightly at her heartstrings, (temperamental as if may have been, she’d grown fond of the rickety old pickup); the second, however, all but ripped them out.

  Tina had agreed to meet her in town at noon, so Olivia had plenty of time to take one last hike along the old railway ridge to the fire tower. The kits, nearly full grown now, had accompanied her on this trek almost daily. Once Olivia climbed up into little windowed cube, they bounded into the surrounding terrain and pushed the limits of their exploration. After familiarizing themselves with the sights, sounds and smells of the vicinity they obediently trotted back and plopped down in the soft grass around the tower’s base.

  Lately, however, they’d begun lingering at the entrance to their old den, sniffing every inch of the sandy mound less than ten feet away. There was no way to tell if they expected a miracle, or if they were simply showing respect. Nevertheless, they always returned before the tower’s trapdoor clanged open. Lunch bells, no matter the type, were not to be ignored.

  Today, however, just as the foxes had grown accustomed to their new routine, everything changed. Their human mother didn’t climb up the ladder.

  When they got to the metal beanstalk she just stood there, hand shielding her eyes from the sun as she peered up at the empty skybox. When she finally did look down again, she wiped her cheeks. She should have known better than to stare at the sun so long, it made her eyes all watery.

  This was all very peculiar – something was definitely up. She wasn’t climbing the ladder; she was just standing there. She didn’t seem to be heading back to the cabin either. Obviously, they weren’t going fishing – the river was the other way.

  Panting with curiosity, Arvy and Felicity both studied their human. She’d not only put on the wrong cloth-hide this morning, her removable skin wasn’t even green. And if that wasn’t strange enough, she pulled out lunch before they’d even had a chance to case the brush for chipmunks. Not only was it much too early, the portions were way more than they could possible fit in their bellies. They’d have to cache the majority of it. The weirdest thing though, was that she just kept staring at them – gazing into their root-beer eyes like she’d never see them again.

  Olivia did her best to breathe as she battled her conflicting emotions. The time had come. She’d prepared herself for this moment. The plan was simple enough. As soon as the kits chunked down generous portions of paté they’d jaunt off as usual. Once they resumed their woodland investigation, she’d turn, without looking back, and quietly slip toward the cabin, alone.

  When the foxes finished eating, however, they again looked up at Olivia. She still hadn’t moved and she was still staring at them. Still, it wasn’t the first time their mother had acted strangely. It was confusing. Maybe she was waiting for them to cache the extra food before she climbed up into the tower again. That was easy enough. And they could do a little hunting while they were at it. If they brought back a plump chipmunk, it would surely garner some hefty praise.

  With stomachs full, both foxes bounded off. When they reached the edge of the tree-line, however, Olivia’s feet betrayed her. She simply couldn’t leave without one last glimpse.

  Felicity stopped, turned her head and hesitated alongside a fallen jack pine. Her eyes focused on the only mother she’d ever known. If Olivia called, the vixen would come sprinting back. Nothing beat a good head scratch. The sun must have really hurt her human though, she didn’t make any of her usual affectionate sounds, and her eyes were even wetter than before. Felicity knew that catching a big juicy rabbit would fix everything, but they were really fast. The little female would try extra hard today though.

  Olivia had no way to express the depth of her love for the vixen at that moment. Cradled by graceful fingers from beyond the clouds, the kit had managed to beat all the odds. She’d be all right now, she’d survive – the universe was on her side. And, if for some reason that wasn’t enough, she had big brother.

  Arvy was occupied at the moment.

  The alpha male had become quite the hunter. He was well aware how imperative it was to inspect every inch of the forest for movement. Spotting prey took concentration. As dedicated as he was, however, something suddenly seemed even more important.

  Through stinging eyes, Olivia saw Archduke Reginald Von Fox stop just as he reached the edge of the clearing. Ignoring whatever game might be rummaging within reach, he fixed his gaze steadily on his mother.

  Ten or fifteen seconds passed as a vision of him, huddled helplessly in that shoe box, passed through Olivia’s mind. Even if she had no way of reading his thoughts, she liked to think he was also recalling happy times – chasing each other around the yard, fishing along the river, and the glorious taste of shared burgers.

  As in bittersweet confirmation, he raised his nose in her direction and sniffed; savoring her scent. Did he somehow know it would be the last time? Olivia had no way of knowing. Rather than taint the moment with sadness, however, she said a silent goodbye in the unique language that only they spoke.

  “Fair well dear friend,” she whispered.

  Chapter 8 – Hitting the Road

  Although the last week of September had been dreary, the first day of October shone clear with a picture-perfect Indian Summer sky. Except for a few maples, the leaves had barely even started to change color. The temperature had been dipping quite low at night, but the thermometer was presently hovering at a balmy seventy-three degrees. With a warm breeze drifting off Lake Huron, it was hard to image the possibility of snow by the end of the month. Nevertheless, it was time to leave.

  With her last paycheck tucked safely inside her purse, Olivia left the ranger station with everything she owned stuffed into one beach bag and her knapsack. Buoyed with a strange sense of freedom, she set her things down alongside the little sidewalk and scoured the parking lot for the Sabre. No telling how far it would get them; but, since she’d just turned in the keys for the truck, the rusty four-door was evidently their only other option.

  Although you couldn’t miss the immaculate VW bus in the visitor’s slot – on display like a one vehicle car show – the driver was hidden by the windshield’s glare. Despite its condition, Livvy was pretty sure the little bus had to be from way back in the sixties. Being a temporary owner of an old truck hardly made her an expert on classics, but it sure looked like something you would’ve seen at a Grateful Dead concert. Wi
th the sun glistening off the shiny exterior, it nevertheless appeared to have just driven off the showroom floor. Someone sure had a sweet little camper; if they only had something like that to hit the road in.

  Making her way around the VW, Olivia was trying to spot Tina’s Buick squeezed between all the forest vehicles when the horn startled her. Thoroughly confused, she had no clue who might be behind the wheel; or, what in the world they wanted. A good fifteen feet away, it wasn’t like she was going to scratch the glossy blue and white finish. The former forest worker, who, until today, had kept a watchful eye over northeastern Michigan’s most prized woodlands, now instinctively averted her glance. The driver’s window was open, however, and she instantly recognized the voice that confronted her.

  “Need a lift sailor?”

  Stunned, she turned to see Tina’s beaming face. Struggling to gather any sense of composure, Livvy babbled, “Are you kidding...? Where did – I mean who? Is this yours?”

  Motioning for her companion to jump in, Teans simply said, “Cal.”

  Afraid of upsetting fate by the slightest delay, Olivia jogged back to gather her scant possessions. If this was a mirage, she’d better hurry before it disappeared. Climbing into their tiny new mobile residence, she plopped her knapsack down by her feet and tossed the flowered beach bag back through the narrow passageway between the seats. Unable to contain her curiosity, she began barraging Tina with questions even before it landed. It seemed incredulous that someone would actually part with such a treasure. Even if Cal considered Chrissy his little sister, this was just too fantastic. Tean’s real sister made her feel indebted just riding in that stupid Blazer.

  “So, did he give it to you for keeps, or just to use?”

  Pulling out of the lot, Tina chewed her lower lip and checked traffic a second time as she carefully shifted gears. Even though it was a manual transmission (the shifter rising from the floor like a cheerleading baton), the microbus couldn’t have been easier to drive. Unlike the old truck’s sloppy steering, there was no play in the wheel whatsoever. Twist your wrist and you just changed lanes.

  Staring ahead, focusing on the road, Tina answered, “Said it’s mine as long as I want it.”

  Olivia leaned forward and ran her fingers along the smooth contours of the dash. She couldn’t imagine the day she’d ever not want it. Not only was it fully fitted out for camping, it no doubt got fantastic gas mileage. It also had a Pioneer sound system with an auxiliary audio port. That sure wasn’t an option back in ’65!

  Livvy stopped gushing over the vehicle long enough to ask Tina to make a couple of stops. She needed to cash her check. And, if they really were going to Florida and the Keys, she couldn’t possibly head to the land of the sun wearing scratched sunglasses, frames pathetically held together with tape.

  The Credit Union wasn’t a problem; she’d opened an account with her very first paycheck. After the initial raised eyebrows and snide whispers, they smiled sweetly whenever Miss Palmer came in to make a transaction.

  The decision whether to close the account, however, presented her with a series of conflicting reflections. Would she ever be coming back? Beyond her uncertain future, did she even want to return? She might eventually grow nostalgic and want to revisit her little cabin nestled amongst the norways. It might not be much to brag about, but it had been her first actual home; not just a bedroom in her parent’s house or a dorm suite shared with three other girls.

  The tower also held a special place in her heart. She’d heard rumors about it being dismantled and that would really make her sad. Still, she’d always have her memories. She could close her eyes and picture every single detail of the skyboxes’ tiny interior, not to mention the endless expanse of canopy she’d surveyed hour after long hour.

  It was all indelibly etched in her mind; the Osborn Fire Finder she’d polished meticulously and every window she’d rubbed her fingers raw, cleaning. She sure wouldn’t miss that. Her life would be just fine if she never saw another Windex bottle or can of Brasso.

  The teller said twenty-five dollars was needed to keep her account open. That wasn’t all that much, but she had no idea what was in Tina’s purse. They might need every penny.

  Money, however, wasn’t the real issue. Her deepest connection with the little Michigan town had pointy little snouts and long whiskers. But the foxes were no longer just adorable kits and they weren’t her responsibility any more. They were grown, on their own, with instinct to insure their survival. It was silly to worry about them. Animals had been thriving in the wild for eons. She told herself they’d be fine; and, even if she did come back some day, the chances of ever seeing them again was highly unlikely.

  No, she wasn’t going to dwell on this anymore. She’d nearly lost it when Tina asked about their release. She just couldn’t relive that last heart-wrenching glimpse of them, let alone talk about it. Later, maybe. She’d taken extra care with her mascara and eyeliner this morning, no sense messing everything up. Not that there could have been a single drop left in her tear ducts anyway.

  Summoning the same courage she’d mustered six months earlier as she’d climbed into the northbound Greyhound, she finally decided to just close her account. It was time to focus on the future, the past was simply that. Collecting the envelope containing her final earnings, she pulled an errant strand of hair from her face, thanked the teller, and headed for the door.

  Their second stop was the Speedway where the VW’s tank was filled and their bladders were emptied. As Tina gathered provisions of unsweet tea and granola bars, Olivia spun the eyewear carousel. She wanted to find something cute, but polarized. Her choices were sadly limited.

  It finally came down between a pair of aviators that didn’t really fit, or ones that were bright pink. The frames were a bit much, nearly florescent, but they were really comfortable. She checked the tag again – yep, guaranteed to block out all the nasty UVs, and definitely polarized.

  Confident that she’d already made one good decision, Livvy placed the fuchsia frames on her head and dug into the envelope. Protecting her sight was certainly worth fourteen ninety-nine. Besides, since she’d saved the amount to hold her account open; theoretically, that still left her ten dollars to the good.

  Climbing back into the VW, Olivia took out her new purchase and slid her freshly polished fingernail under the adhered sticker. After wiping the lens clean, she put them on and inspected the shaded world outside. Yes, these would be fine. Pulling her seatbelt over her shoulder, she was all set to begin their adventure when she caught Tina staring at her.

  Sliding up the sunglasses, she asked, “What?”

  Although Tina typically resorted to her dry sense of humor, she still had a serious side. And, the dire expression on her face at this moment scared Olivia. Her entire future was in Tina’s hands; Livvy had absolutely no idea what she’d do if Teans had a change of heart.

  “I need to ask you something,” Tina said.

  “Ahhh, okay,” Livvy responded.

  Taking time to formulate her question with utmost care, Tina predicated it with a warning, “It’s pretty personal.”

  Olivia’s heart sank. She knew the girl wasn’t one to judge. Tina had totally stood up for her at the river; and, although they’d never really talked about it, Livvy’s identity didn’t seem to be an issue. Still, one never knew. They were about to hit the road in a camper with only one bed. Tina certainly had every right to know what she was getting herself into.

  They’d never really confronted that God-awful coming out party either. Even if Oliver was nothing more than a name on a driver’s license or a label recalling memories of an alienated little boy who’d cried himself to sleep more nights than she could count, Olivia was a girl in nearly every possible sense. Still, there was really no way to read Tina’s deepest thoughts. Did she now secretly consider Olivia to be someone totally different from the girl who had first walked into Ruthie’s?

  Although Olivia didn’t think it possible, tears once again
began to well in the corner of her eyes. If her most precious friend couldn’t accept her for who she was, there just didn’t seem to be any hope.

  “Before I agree to this trip, there’s something I have to know.” Tina continued.

  Despite the trembling in her chest, Olivia tried to force a smile. She’d try her best to answer any question, no matter how much it tore at her heart. She owed Tina that much.

  The girl blessed with flawless features, an exquisite body, a sleek torso adorned with breathtaking floral elegance, hesitated a torturous moment. Evidently unable to discern any reasonable explanation on her own, she scrutinized Olivia’s image and pursed her lips.

  Deciding it was best to simply confront the issue directly, Tina finally asked, “Are you fucking serious with those sunglasses?”

  The End

  Author’s Comments

  Thank you for reading Killdeer Dance.

  I hope you enjoyed Olivia’s story.

  If so, I would really appreciate a positive review and a high rating.

  Questions or additional information anyone might want have about the Seven Mill Hill Fire Tower, the Osborn Firefinder, the watcher’s cabin, or the Au Sable River can be directed to me at: strawberrylogic@yahoo.com

  Although the plot and characters are fiction, the setting is quite real. The tower was likely constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s and dismantled (for scrap), in the late 1970s or early ‘80s. The watcher’s cabin was removed from its original location and relocated to the subdivision across Bissonette Road. The description of the tower, the watcher’s cabin and the Osborn Firefinder is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but the story’s timeline was altered to include the use of cell phones and to reflect current levels of transgender awareness and acceptability.

  I don’t claim to be an authority on the area’s history, although I have tried to gather as much factual information as possible from local residents. The rest of the details were drawn from my personal experience growing up in Foote Site and spending time with the tower watcher. I did climb straight up the tower’s ladder and enter the little ‘skybox.’ The view was absolutely amazing!