Cora blinked as the early morning sunlight filtered through the cracked window of their small room. Feeling a weight lift from her heart, she turned to the side where Ruky usually slept, expecting to see him nestled under the thin blanket they shared. Instead, she was met with a strange sight: a crow perched on the windowsill, its glossy black feathers gleaming in the sunlight.
Confusion washed over her as she recalled the frustration from last night. Ruky had been at his playful best, his curious antics spiraling into chaos that left Cora exasperated. In a moment of desperation, she had shouted, “I wish you were just a crow instead of acting like one!” The words had slipped out in anger, but now they echoed ominously in her mind.
Shakily, Cora approached the window. The crow cawed softly, its beady eyes locking onto hers with an uncanny intelligence. For a moment, she felt a flutter of panic; could it be that her wish had turned Ruky into this creature? Heart pounding, she reached out a trembling hand.
Suddenly, the crow flapped its wings and took off, soaring into the sky. Cora's heart sank as she felt the air rush past where the bird had been. The room felt chillingly empty, and Cora rushed back to the bed, pulling the blanket aside.
“Ruky!” she called, her voice echoing with desperation, but her shout was met with silence.
Just then, a familiar giggle rang out from the other side of the room. Cora whipped around, her heart soaring as she saw Ruky standing there in his usual gray pajamas, bright eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Cora, look! I found a crow!” Ruky exclaimed, holding a small feather in his hand. He didn’t seem to notice her bewilderment.
Cora let out a shaky breath, relief flooding over her. “You’re... you’re really here!” She enveloped him in a tight embrace, her heart swelling with gratitude.
“Of course! Where else would I be?” Ruky replied, puzzled by his sister's reaction.
Cora pulled back, looking deeply into his innocent face. The experience had shaken her, reminding her of the weight of her words and the love she had for her brother. “Just promise me something, okay?” she said, her tone serious.
“Anything!” Ruky chirped.
“Promise to always be my little brother and to never change—even if you drive me a little crazy sometimes.”
With that, Ruky nodded earnestly, the feather slipping from his grip and floating to the ground. They both burst into laughter, the tension evaporating, and Cora was grateful beyond measure. She realized then that even in moments of frustration, her bond with Ruky was unbreakable, transcending any whimsical wish.
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