5 THE TALK

CHAPTER 5 THE TALK Brightbill had something important to tell his mother. So he led her up to the grassy ridge on the west side of the island, to the place where he had learned to fly. It was one of their favorite spots to visit. The goose was a fast flier, but the robot had no problem keeping up, thanks to her new body. You might remember that Roz had been designed by a woman named Dr. Molovo. They had once met under some rather difficult circumstances, and during their time together, Dr. Molovo transferred Roz's mind from her old robotic body to a new one. Her new body was stronger and tougher and faster than the original. Now Roz effortlessly glided across the rugged landscape as Brightbill raced through the air. Before long, they were standing at the crest of the ridge, facing a grassy hillside that sloped down to the ocean. Far below, a wave crashed against the rocks, shooting sea spray into the wind. A moment later, our friends felt the spray sprinkling against their bodies. And then Brightbill started to talk.

"We lost two members of the flock this winter," he said softly. "They were an older couple who wandered off from the wintering grounds and were attacked by a pack of coyotes. I didn't know them well. They kept to themselves and only joined the flock for migrations. But the loss was hard on us all. They had a daughter, and I checked on her to see how she was doing. Her name is Glimmerwing, but everyone calls her Glimmer. She's about my age, and we enjoyed each other's company, and by the end of winter, she and I were inseparable." A little smile appeared on Brightbill's face. "It turns out, some good has come from that tragedy, because Glimmer and I have decided to be mates." Roz stared at her son. Her glowing eyes gently pulsed. Then she said, "I am so sorry to hear about Glimmerwing's parents. But I am so happy to hear that you have found a mate! Tell me about Glimmerwing. I want to know everything!" "I could tell you about her," said Brightbill. "But I thought I'd introduce you to her instead."