The hawk screeched and dived toward its prey. Jen held her breath and screamed when one of the talons clipped the pigeon’s wing, leaving it powerless, plummeting to the ground.
She ran across the field toward the fallen dove, flailing her arms and shrieking at the hawk.
Jen kneeled down beside the motionless bird. “You’re a beauty,” she cooed and delicately slid her fingers under its shaking belly. Her beaded ring brushed against a tiny metal leg band.
And that was the moment Jen felt it in her heart. This feathered friend was a survivor. And so was she.
***
I wrote this in response to Charli Mills’ April 13th Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge. In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a ring. Keep the definition to that of jewelry. Whose ring is it and what’s its significance. Go where the prompt leads.

Lovely story, Kate; of hope, compassion and love. It’s interesting that we “side” with the gentle dove while the hawk goes hungry. Was he not deserving too, fulfilling his place in nature, in the pecking order?
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Indeed, the hawk is deserving of a feast, just not at this moment in time. The right prey will appear and that story will have it’s own lesson to teach us. Thank you Norah. I hope your ‘family’ celebrations last week were all happy ones.
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A lovely lesson in philosophy! I had a very enjoyable family celebration, Kate. Thank you. I hope you did too.
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When we find our own soul in the other, in an act of compassion and protection…
lovely!
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Thank you for your wonderful comment Liz! 🙂
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What a wonderful story!
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I’m so glad you liked it and stopped by the let me know. Thanks Susan! 🙂
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Superb!
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Thanks Reena! 🙂
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What a beautiful story, one survivor coming the aid of another. And they both wear rings. Clever detail!
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Thanks Charli! Oops -you caught me in the act. I was busy modifying the ending while you were at my sight reading and commenting. I hope you return and capture this version in the final compilation. Thanks Charli.
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