Chapter Sixteen ALMOST TIME

Cassie was back again to check on Ruby. Just as she’d promised Ava when she’d first rescued Ruby from the woods, she’d been there every day to check on the owl. Ava was waiting by the barn door as Cassie came into the courtyard, and she couldn’t help but feel a small thrill run along her spine at the thought of getting up close to the owl again. She kept her distance whenever Cassie wasn’t there, but went a little closer whenever Cassie was with her. Ruby was a wild animal, and Cassie had warned her that they were unpredictable, especially if they felt frightened. Ava didn’t think Ruby would be that frightened of her any more; she’d been recovering in the barn for over a week now. Ava was determined to keep the owl as wild as possible and had been careful to keep her distance as much as she could. As her uncle had said, not all humans were as trustworthy as she was.

‘How’s it all going?’ asked Cassie as she reached Ava.

‘Still getting stronger, and more alert,’ replied Ava. ‘She’s even making more noises than before too.’

Cassie smiled. She carefully opened the door, checking the owl was in its usual position at the back of the barn. They slipped inside together, making sure to close the door firmly behind them.

‘What’s on the menu tonight?’ asked Cassie, putting on her thick leather gloves, ready to examine Ruby’s wing.

Ava pulled a plastic box out of her coat pocket and grinned.

‘Mice. They’re her favourite.’

‘Excellent choice,’ said Cassie, returning Ava’s grin.

Cassie reached out slowly and picked up Ruby. The owl made a hissing noise. Unfazed, Cassie gently opened Ruby’s injured wing, checking on her progress. She felt the owl’s body and how heavy she was, before giving a satisfied nod.

‘She’s put a good bit of weight on now she’s eating regularly.’

‘I thought so too,’ said Ava.

‘I don’t think it will be long until we can put her back in the woods,’ said Cassie softly. ‘It could be another week or so if she continues to do as well as this.’

Ava nodded.

‘Do you think she’ll be okay? Will she be able to catch her own food when we release her again?’ Ava asked, suddenly worried.

‘I don’t see why not,’ replied Cassie, placing Ruby back onto the straw bale. ‘It wasn’t that long ago she was catching all her own food. At this time of year, there’s still quite a few tasty treats running about before they hibernate for the winter. Owls can be resourceful too. They’ll sometimes eat small birds, frogs, large insects or even worms if they’re hungry. Ruby looks like a capable owl to me. I’m sure she’ll be just fine. When the time’s right, we’ll release her back into the woods before dusk so she can get her bearings and hopefully start hunting again.’

Ruby’s large black eyes were fixed on Ava and the box she was holding. Ava giggled.

‘I think she’s trying to tell me she’s hungry.’

Ava opened the box and took out one of the mice that lay inside. She put it down in front of the owl and stepped back, giving Ruby space to feed. The owl took the small mouse in her beak and swallowed it whole. Ava repeated the process with the remaining mice she’d brought with her. Ruby certainly looked very wild as she devoured her prey.