BREAKFAST AND DINNER

It was late at night when every creature was sound asleep except for the chirping of insects and the movement of nocturnal animals.

The atmosphere was calm and the weather was cold.

The sound of his wings as he flew over the fence made a lot of noise disturbing the serenity of the entire environment only to land close to a hut in the compound where he lives.

He was lucky to have a window open he would have spent the night in the cold. He flew in and fell on something flat and stable but not so hard. It felt comfortable enough to spend the night on it besides, what choice was he left with seeing it’s so late plus not having much strength left in him? He sighed as he relaxed on what he fell on and consoled himself with the fact that it would soon be morning in a few hours.

At dawn, a shout was heard, ending with a weak series of coughs because he lacked vitality and his throat was dry.

Looking so weak he looked at what he slept on, looked at the cup of water that was on the floor, and uttered in his mind - this is traumatic.

The rest of the chickens eating in the yard paused at once because of the shout and continued eating without giving it much attention, knowing who that could be.

The chicken just rolled from where he spent the night down to the floor, staggering as if to faint managed to take himself out of the hut. His eyes were half-current - then finally he managed to get to where there was water. He had it to his fill and joined the rest of the chickens for a meal.

Daisy eating next to him noticed his eating as if that would be his last. Looking at him she said “Wow! I had no idea you still have the map back home in your head. Thought you’re gone for good?”

He kept on filling his stomach without a word as if he was alone. The rest of the chickens were chatting at an interval as they ate.

Moments later, after everyone had his fill, they went at various angles in the yard to relax.

Daisy was walking around when she came towards Cluck, she passed him but took a halt and came back. Looking at him she could see how exhausted he was because he was lying helpless under a mango tree with his eyes closed breathing slowly.

She gazed at him with pity and said “Just look at him… Hmm”. He heard that and opened his eyes to look at her. On seeing her, standing close to him he was startled because he wasn’t expecting her to be so close. “You startled me and were you even talking to me?”

On hearing that, as if getting angry she asked “If not you then who else Mr. Lone Ranger?”

Cluck chuckled and asked her to keep walking as he adjusted himself to continue resting.

At this point, an invisible smoke was already coming out of her hair. “Well, I guess the adventure that took you out didn’t pay that’s why you decided in that head of yours to return to the place you once abandoned.

She turned to leave then turned again in his direction “If I may ask your Lordship (smiling mischievously), what made you shout out in the morning as though you were about to be thrown out? Oh! Did I say thrown out? I don’t think I can say that because I bet if anyone is to throw you out he’ll be doing you a favor. So, care to share about that experience that made your voice to be heard by everyone?

He turned to look at her and the look he saw in her eyes just informed him it was either he explained himself or lived the rest of the day having her buzz around his ears.

He sighed in frustration knowing both choices were not that easy. “Well, quite embarrassing but I guess having to say it is much better. But promise…”

She asked what...

“That you won’t come around again after telling you everything and that will be the end of discussion concerning that topic.”

“As you please your Lordship.” (Taking a bow as she said so). 

“The thing is, I came in last night so hungry and thirsty but ended up sleeping on a bag of grain and discovered the presence of a cup of water on the floor when I woke up - though the water wasn’t inviting.”

There was silence for five seconds and she busted out with laughter. “Dude that was hash.” She continued laughing. He shook his head “Can you please leave now so I can recuperate?”

“Oh my God! The level of how I pity you Just went from forty to a hundred. That was terrible man.” said Daisy.

He just took a more comfortable position to relax not giving any attention to all her drama.

She became calm and went right to where his head was and said “That’s why in this life, if you miss a meal, never miss breakfast and dinner. Now look at you, a lone ranger who has missed a lot and is still missing. To crown it all, it’s going to take you time to be able to have a comfortable breakfast and dinner.”

Hearing that it got to his bones which made him quickly change position and become so alert “What do you mean by that?” He asked.

She took some steps away from him as if leaving then turned her body halfway in his direction, and said looking into his eyes with all seriousness “It’s a metaphor. Figure it out yourself. And you can look around you right now, you might find the answer.” Then she walked away.

After she left, he looked around and finally saw what he never took note of and what he never thought was necessary. That moment, it dawned on him withhat she meant by “Never miss a breakfast and dinner.”.