The bird is here again. At the same time and in the same way. It flutters to a stop outside on the windowsill. It bounces a few times to get a better perch, and then it sits and sings a beautiful melody. Sometimes, it will look in at me, and the setting sun will glisten off its red feathers. I've decided to give it the name Phoenix, because it is red like flames. I watch, listen, and wait for Phoenix every day. He's the reason I go to sleep with a smile. The reason I try my hardest to stay awake. The only reason that gets me through the day. It's hard, and waiting can be boring. Phoenix is my burning passion to sing and, one day, fly. So I rise up, and I strive to gain my health back. Even though no one here thinks I can. But I must, for my Phoenix believes in me.
Today it is storming, and flashes of lightning illuminate my small hospital room. I'm waiting, watching, listening, and wondering. Will he be able to come today? I look at the clock. He's late. I push myself up, and although it hurts and takes all of my strength, I sit myself in my wheelchair and roll to the window. He's not there. Lightning strikes in the distance; there's not a bird in sight. I sit, watching the rain hit my window. It hurts; I don't like being alone. It's dark, and Mommy hasn't visited me in a long time. I'm scared. What will happen to me now? Will I be able to wake up? Will I smile? Will I ever be able to walk on my own again? I tremble. I'm crying silently, and I am so very tired.
I close my eyes. Thunder rumbles, making me open them again. There! I open my eyes all the way. I'm awake. He's here, my Phoenix! He struggles to keep perch; he shakes his feathers and looks at me. I reach for the lever that opens the window. He jumps off his perch and comes back after I open the window enough. The rain seeps in, and a buzzer goes off to warn everyone that a window has been opened.
"Come," I whisper. Phoenix flies in over my head, and I wait. No one comes. I sigh and turn to see my little red bird perched on my bed. I smile weakly, but with all my heart; I am wide awake now.
"Will you sing for me?" I ask, and he does. A sweet melody. I close my eyes and hum along with the tune. It's the loveliest sound. I open my eyes and find him next to my hand. He truly is magnificent. "Thank you," I say with the last of my breath. I'm not alone, and I am not scared. The rain...do you know it has stopped? Finally, I can fly. Right along with my Phoenix.
