Short story VI

Once upon a time, there lived a stupid owl.

Yes, yes, we all know that owls are supposed to be wise and intelligent. But Eric, for that was the name of this particular owl, wasn’t. He was, by his own admission, stupid.

“I’m stupid,” said Eric.

“Yes, I know,” replied his friend, as if from out of nowhere. “But I like you anyway.”

Eric nearly jumped out of his feathers.

“Wh - wh - where did that voice come from?”

“I’m behind you! Just turn your head and look.”

Eric moved his head to locate the voice, and suddenly realised that he’d turned it all the way round. Through three hundred and sixty degrees. And he hadn’t broken his neck either. How did that happen?

“Cool!” exclaimed Eric. “Look! I can turn my head all the way round!”

“Yes, I know that too. I’ve been trying to tell you about it since you were little more than a fluffy owlet, but you were too stupid to take in the information,” said Eric’s friend, clapping his wings together in relief.

Eric was so thrilled to discover this new skill that he spent the next three nights just sitting on his favourite branch, spinning his head round and round. He did it again and again and again. Every time he performed a full rotation, Eric would sigh with contentment.

“It’s great being stupid,” he thought to himself, “because you learn all these amazing secrets.”

Eric spun his head one more time, then promptly fell asleep.

The End.