Enlightened

Enlightened

I had had enough! I was on the verge of a breakdown if one more thing went wrong. Cursing at how I’d let myself even get involved with this project, let alone in charge of it, I swear I could actually feel heat radiating out of my body in waves of frustration.

Thankfully everybody had left on errands trying to string Jane’s (stupid) idea together. Which if it worked, would be wonderful for Jane, but if it failed would land right on my head. Add another thought to my fragile hold on my job. I stepped out on the balcony to breathe.

As I stood eyes closed soaking in the warmth of the sun, someone asked, “What’s up?”

Not knowing who had stayed behind, but not in a talky mood I just murmured, “I just need a minute, do you mind?”

“Well, you are standing in front of my house,” the voice said, a little sarcastically.

I opened my eyes, there was no one there. “Who said that!” I said, now angry, I was in no mood for funny!

“I did,” said a red bird sitting on the railing. “Ah... my nest is in that vine there. You people don’t usually come out, could you move?”

“I’m sorry,” I said moving. “Should I go back in?”

“Nah, I’ll just get my things, and go make a nest elsewhere. Thanks.” Off he, or she, went and minutes later flew off.

I was distracted enough that afternoon that the project got done and I have no idea how. Jane got the credit, and then the blame when it tanked a month later.

I became very successful by accident. When people asked me questions, I often asked back, “What things would a Cardinal have in their nest?”

They thought I was enlightened. Pfffft...