By Ife J. Ibitayo
My short story “Untraditional” has been published in issue #81 of Andromeda Spaceways Magazine. This is my first accepted publication. This is a story about identity and in some ways deals with how I’ve struggled with my own:
Story Excerpt
“Just play whatever,” C. Lynxis said. T. Kes plugged his ears with his fingers and winked. Michael plucked a few random notes. Then, a song his mother used to play came to him. It had been years since he had heard that song, but the notes came easily. As he began to pluck the lullaby, his blue wing began to twitch, producing a beautiful accompaniment. He almost stopped playing in surprise, but he managed to keep on going. The song took him back to the days when his mother used to hold him, cradling him in her arms, looking down in his face and cooing.
The memory was sweet, and he didn’t want it to end. But, after a few more minutes, he reached the dying note. He opened his eyes, not even realizing he had closed them. He wiped away the wetness from his cheeks.
C. Lynxis looked at T. Kes, who looked back at her, and they both looked back at Michael. The silence stretched for at least a minute or two before T. Kes said, “That was okay” just as C. Lynxis said, “You were amazing.” C. Lynxis glared at T. Kes and said, “I think what he meant to say was that was beautiful.”
He glared back at C. Lynxis and said, “I know what I said, and I meant it,” T. Kes got up and stomped into his bedroom, slamming the door.
Michael stared at his palms, not sure what to think. He felt a soft presence on his shoulders, warm and soothing. He looked up and saw C. Lynxis’ purple wings. She was smiling down at him, sadness in her eyes. “He’s been through a lot. He’ll come around.” She also went into the bedroom and closed the door.