I trudged into the muddy swamp-like area. The squelching of my boots disturbed the local wildlife. I marvelled at the elegance of the bird-like creature. Short sleek feathers were layered across its body. It was like a lightweight amour. It had the pattern of scales of ancient reptiles and stronger but more flexible material than the feathers of ancient birds. It had cartilage on its head like the cassowary. Beneath the creature was light-grey fur. It wasn't very thick but felt cosy and warm.

Another of its kind flew down into the field grass-reeds. It cocked its head to observe me. After determining that I wasn't a threat, it walked the first creature then nuzzled each other, cooing softly. I felt a pang in my chest. I was alone. Unbidden, tears trickled down my cheeks as I collected grain. The skin of my palms and the soles of my feet began to toughen because of the work. I had taken almost everything for granted. The full stomach, the joyous company and everything else.

I looked back at the two birds, cuddling and fondling each other. I trekked back into the green leafy expanse of the forest, the reminder weighing down my heart that I was alone.

It has been days and weeks since the crash and the death of us. But I knew there was no cure to the loneliness that was followed me like a phantom but turn back time. But time cannot be turned, for consequences are consequences, and must be followed.

But nevertheless, I kept looking.