"The Gift" by Jessica ´Vestaka´ Douglas

A short break over the holidays took us to the office of Professor Lunara. Most people call him professor lunatic.... because he's constantly experimenting in the fields of robotics and cybergenics, and has some rather... outlandish ideas. But I'm fond of him, regardless.

We arrived shortly before christmas eve, (Benden wanted to show the new intern about Germany for a few more weeks... hence our late arrival) and the professor was so excited to see us! He wouldn't tell us why, just shushed us all and turned the subject to idle chitchat, only whispering that we would find out... on christmas morning.

I don't think I've ever been so excited as I was that night. It was like all of my childhood hopes and fancies were real, waiting for Sinter Claus to come and bring us gifts... and I actually woke at the crack of dawn full of that childhood enthusiasm. But no matter how early I woke... it wasn't before the professor had. I ran down the stairs to find him sitting in his chair by the fire, reading one of his many books and munching on some sweet breakfast treats.

He made me wait! I can't believe it! But he made me wait until I had eaten my breakfast... then he set the book aside. I will always remember the way he looked at me, his eyes calm, filled with hints of mystery and that cheerful imagination. I don't remember all that was said... I was so tense and practically bouncing out of my chair... then he carefully lifted a little box from his desk and gave it to me.

I opened it... and I couldn't believe my eyes. He had... created nothing short of a miracle. Pale blue and black wings fanned slowly in the air. Smooth, silvery metallic skin flexed as it turned it's head to me... tilted it just a little... and then chirped. I was utterly charmed.

But, as cute as the little thing was... the professor gave me something far, far greater that day... He gave me back my dreams.

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For , for his birthday... Text inspired by James Barrie, who taught us all to never stop dreaming Done in colored pencils on soft grey/blue cardstock