I was watching some reruns today on the marathon and saw the one about Squawky. Couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Squawky hadn't left the boat…
So here's just a short little story about what I wished would've happened…
Captain Jonathan Hillstrand walked outside for the tenth time to check on his new pet.
His younger brother, Andy, was sitting in the wheelhouse in the other chair across the room shaking his head in exasperation.
"Let it go, Jon!" he shouted, "Let nature have it's way!"
"Shut up!" replied Jonathon as he leaned over to give his bird some more water.
Squawky began to make awful sounding noises as Jonathon's hand came closer to him. He pecked at it slightly and shifted to the back corner of his cardboard box.
"Oh, it's okay there buddy," crooned Jonathon, "I ain't gonna hurtcha."
He picked up the box and carried it back into the wheelhouse. He sat it down beside of his chair and glanced down at the bird.
Andy rolled his eyes at the sight.
"First you let it sleep in the captain's quarters, then you bring it inside because you think the weather's too rough for him, now you bring him into the wheelhouse…why can't you do all that for the rest of us?"
Jonathan laughed at that.
"Cause Squawky's hurt…he needs a little TLC!"
Andy rolled his eyes again.
"Get your butt back out there and work!" laughed Jonathan, "And leave me and Squawky alone!"
Andy laughed and shook his head as he left the wheelhouse, leaving his brother to talk to himself and to the bird…
Two days later…
The Time Bandit docked in St. Paul for their offload date.
While the rest of the crew worked to help with the offload, Jonathan took Squawky in his cardboard box over to a small building nearby. A lady was there waiting to take care of the bird. Jonathan had called earlier to tell them the situation and they said that there was a lady that worked on the island who used to be a veterinarian and was willing to try and save Squawky.
"Be careful with him," muttered Jonathan as he handed over his precious pet, "He's fragile."
The woman's eyes reflected her amusement at the tough captain's attachment to the lonely little injured bird.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of him," assured the woman, "You go off and fish and I'll call you when Squawky's ready to be released."
Jonathon nodded and cast a sad look at Squawky before he turned to head back to the boat…
A few weeks later, Jonathan received a call from the lady in St. Paul.
"Captain Hillstrand, I'm pleased to say that Squawky's wing is fully healed and he's ready to go back home. Would you like to come see him before he leaves?"
Jonathan smiled broadly and laughed.
"Yeah I would…we're heading over your way in a day or two for an offload…is that okay?"
"Sure, we'll be waiting!"
A couple days later, the Time Bandit pulled back into St. Paul for another offload.
Jonathan ran over to the little building to go see Squawky.
The lady came outside with Squawky in his old cardboard box Jonathan had given him. She let Jonathan have a moment with Squawky before she spoke.
"You ready to let him go?" she asked.
Jonathan sighed, "Yeah…I suppose so. He needs to go back home."
The lady nodded in agreement and handed Jonathan the box to do the honors.
Jonathan opened the lid and Squawky fluttered out, squawking loudly as he rose up into the sky.
Jonathan smiled as he watched Squawky fly away, a feeling of happiness and satisfaction filling him. He sighed and turned back around to head over to the Time Bandit…
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