Waiting for his friend to rise.

The old man wakes up and walks slowly to the window.

He opens it just slightly to let his friend in.

“How are you feeling,” the blackbird asks.

“Tired, but fine my friend,” the old man replies.

The blackbird shakes his feathers and looks the old man up and down.

“You haven’t been eating much, have you,” says the blackbird.

The old man answers, “just a little here and there.”

“You have to keep your strength up, so you can enjoy this beautiful day,” the blackbird replies.

“I really don’t feel like going outside.  I feel tired today. It’s been a long week.  I can’t stop thinking of Martha.”

“Martha will always be with you my friend.  I promised her, I would watch over you.”

The old man stops for a moment to think, then answers, “I remember when I found you under the tree, you were so small.  I brought you home and Martha made you a tiny bed.  As you got older, you would go outside, but always come back.”

The blackbird replied, “you and Martha will always be my family.  Now it’s time to take care of you.”

“What will happen when my time comes, my friend, where will you go?”

“I will still be with you, just like Martha.  You need not worry.  Now, please eat something.”

So, the old man sat down at the table, took a sip of wine and sliced some bread. He tore a piece of bread, to give to his friend.  That night the old man celebrated with a plate of sausage and cheese.

His mind was now at ease, knowing the blackbird was indeed a true friend.