Folksburywoods Story Blog

“So you mangy birds, what’s it to be today?” asked Ernst as he tuned up the fiddle.

For two years, Ernst kept himself occupied with daily fiddle sessions. It helped pass the time between his duties as a marine recorder.

“I’m feeling frisky today, a jig will set things right,” said the man to his avian audience.

A half-day’s journey to the nearest port meant a weekly visit. The ship brought life’s necessities and retrieved the samples Ernst had collected.

“Quiet now, I’m almost ready,” said the man to a nearby gull.

Two years ago, during a winter squall, Ernst’s wife died when her ferry sank with all hands.

“I should never have asked her to get the supplies from Stockholm,” Ernst would say about his wife’s death.

His work at the marine institute no longer held any joy. Ernst moved to the station to wait out his days on earth.

“Let’s hear your beautiful voice,” Enrst would tease the bird as its racket grew louder.

Life on the station was tolerable. There was routine, a few surprises, and a fantastic view. The occasional storm did make life a bit challenging.

“That’s the spirit, clear those lungs of yours,” Ernst said to his companion.

The birds had grown to trust Ernst and often brought him gifts of shellfish.

Each morning, the researcher made coffee, sliced bread, and cheese. Some days, he would share bread with the gulls.

Ernst spent his time reading the books the supply ship brought. Some days, Ernst sketched the surrounding view into his notebook.

“One day, I’ll climb into the emergency balloon and let it drift away. I don’t want them to find me dead in my hammock,” Ernst told the gulls one day.

Ernst finished his jig and set about his duties as station recorder. “Soon it’s over the horizon,” said Ernst to the gulls.

“Until then, it’s fish soup and biscuits. Tonight I’ll share some rum cake, would you like that?” asked the man.

The birds let out a scream. They had learned the word ‘cake’.

“Solitude is all one can hope for,” Ernst said. He ate his soup and stared at the distant horizon.

“Beautiful solitude,” muttered the man.

For More Fun: https://folksburywoods.com/