500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Liver Birds by Emily S.

It was Christmas Eve in the city of Liverpool. Far below the wintry dome of the Royal Liver Building festive lights flashed as people drove towards the warmth of home. Only Bertie and Bella sat motionless on their high perches. Tonight was different.

Suddenly, the Liver Birds began to move. In unison, they stretched their long, graceful wings. The copper on their feathers seemed to melt revealing what looked like shimmering marble. Together, they flapped long, white wings. Moving as one, they rose and tried to fly but couldn't. They were chained to the rooftop. Frantically they beat against their metal restraints. Unable to hold the force of their powerful wings the chains broke. Bertie and Bella soared towards each other and met in the air. In harmony they glided away from the Liver Building.

Their first destination was Otterspool Prom. Bertie and Bella perched on one of the railings, watching the city lights reflected in the dark waters of the River Mersey. All over Merseyside children settled to sleep, awaiting Father Christmas and the delights the morning would bring. The Liver Birds heard footsteps and saw searchlights coming towards them. They swooped across the water and over an incline before they could be discovered. The beams paused to search near the place where they were hiding. They waited with bated breath. Then the flashlight moved away. It had narrowly missed Bertie and Bella as they darted upwards.

Next, they drifted towards the Liverpool Empire. It was so crowded Bertie and Bella couldn't go near the entrance where they might be spotted and cause panic. They would need to find another way in. As one, they flew upwards. There was an open hatch in the roof. They glided through and were greeted by a sea of red and gold. Everybody was getting ready for the performance. Mums and Dads were struggling to seat their screaming children. Bella and Bertie hid together before the room went dark and waited in anticipation. Silence fell. In the spotlight, a red headed woman dressed in a tight black dress walked on the stage and announced that they were going to perform 'The Nutcracker'. As she left, the most beautiful melody floated up and to the ears of everyone. Sweeter than an autumn walk the music made the room relax. Then ballet dancers moved on stage and the performance began.

Once the ballet was over, Bertie and Bella waited until everyone had left the theatre. Their time was almost up. Wings touching, they drifted towards The Albert Dock. The moon appeared from behind a cloud. Bella took up her position facing the River Mersey, guarding the sailors. With his back to her Bertie faced the city to protect its people. Slowly, the copper seemed to paint itself back onto their white bodies.

As it began to snow, the Liver Birds stood still. Loving one another until the end of time.

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