Charlie looks up and waves over to me as I glide down and land in the fort.

  Shiners lands next to me, repeating it to Charlie. Charlie responds, “Yeah. They were worried, so I told them you had the flu. They seem to have bought it for the moment, but I’m not sure how long it will work.” I wince slightly. They’re going to be tough. I want to tell them the truth, but I’m not sure I can yet.

  I nod, sighing. I give a small shiver and fluff my feathers, feeling colder than I should from panic.

  I try to calm down as my thoughts race, but I can’t stop them. What if they hate me? What if they don’t believe me?

  Charlie seems to consider it as he scrunches his face, in concentration. “Well, there’s a campground near my house that no one really goes to this time of year. You could go there, and I can let your parents know to meet you there. I’ll be there to help explain, and Shiners will be nearby, so don’t worry.”

  I look to Shiners as he tilts his head to the side before saying, “This is up to you, Mike. Do you want to wait, or do this tonight?” I want to wait, but I can’t bring myself to. If I don’t face this now, I’ll just keep putting it off.

   My heart races at the thought, but I know it has to be done.

  Shiners tilts his head up while looking at the sky. “Can you describe it? I probably know the area and can bring our feather-brained friend here to it,” he says.

  I look insulted and am about to say something, then realize that, technically, I am now.

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  “It’s about a mile up the coast, just north of town. There are two large islands nearby and a big willow tree out back. If you follow the coast, you should be able to find it,” he says, pointing in the general direction. “Mike knows the way, but then again, he only knows it from the ground.”

  Shiners tilts his head, letting out a chuckle. “I think I know the area. The campsite was good for food at times in the summer. There’s a large cabin near the water where we can meet you. I’ll make sure this chick doesn’t get too lost,” he says, nodding in my direction with his beak.

  It sounds like we have a plan, though I shoot a glare at Shiners for that comment. I’m a full-grown eagle after all, or at least I think so. I think, well this is it good or bad it's happening.

  Charlie grins. “That sounds good. Here, I got you a couple of hamburgers from the lunchroom,” he says. “Still not sure what you can or can’t eat, but I figured I’d at least get some meat. Don’t worry, no condiments, just the salt they already put on it.”

  I pin it with my talons and tear off a small piece, marveling at how it somehow tastes both bland and good, a weird mix of flavors. I tilt my head slightly to the side. I say. It’s weird… but still satisfying and good.

  Charlie gives me a questioning look as he sits back. “So, what do you mean by that? You guys eat a lot of meat, so wouldn’t it taste good?”

  I tilt my head to eye the meat before taking another bite.

  Shiners glances between the two of us. “Could just be that you’re used to eating more variety than an eagle, which is almost entirely a meat eater.”

  Charlie thinks for a moment. “You know, maybe we should experiment with what kind of meat you like more. I’ll also check the school or town library for more information about what you are. You look like a golden eagle, but not quite.” He pauses. “You’re more the eagle expert. Maybe it’ll help if we can narrow it down. Are there any eagles in the Americas other than golden that look like you?”

  I nod and think, I say, eating a bit more of the meat.

  Charlie shivers, pulling his jacket back against him. “I can do that. Definitely should head back before John and Frank start to wonder where I am,” he says, getting up as I finish the burger, and adds, “I’m glad you liked it. You owe me three dollars as soon as you can figure out how to get money, and no stealing.” He aims the last part at Shiners as much as at me.

  Shiners gives a small glare. “I take offense to that. It’s only taking unwanted items.”

  I chuckle and shake my head. This has to be the weirdest thing I’ve ever experienced, but it somehow already feels natural. I say.