15 THE FLYAWAYS

CHAPTER 15 THE FLYAWAYS The sight of those five geese flying away from the island inspired other birds to do the same. It was hard to blame them. Across the ocean was an easier, safer life, and as the poison tide wore on, more birds chose to fly away. There were tearful good-byes as birds left old friends behind. Some birds felt so bad about leaving that they took off without saying a word. Before she left, Gale couldn't stop apologizing. "I'm sorry but I have to go!" cried the gull. "The poison tide is too much! I wish I could bring all of you with me. I'm so sorry!" Only the most determined birds stayed. Brightbill and his smaller flock stayed. Swooper stayed. A handful of other birds stayed. But the rest of them flew away, and nobody knew if they'd ever return.