What? He knew? He knew that because a raven was there, he would die? No human had ever known. So how was this one any different? The boy leaned his head back on the tree and closed his eyes.

"You don't have to tell me I'm going to die, you don't have to guide me on my journey. I already know." The boy sighed and opened his eyes again.

Iris cocked her head. Who was this boy, who seemed to understand how his life worked? He seemed to read her mind.

"I'm Taylor." He said. "I know it's a stupid girl's name. But since my parents made it a boy's name, now it's unique."

Taylor winked at Iris. "What should I call you?"

Iris stared at him and made a little warbling sound.

He leaned forward. "You know what, I won't name you. You are a free bird, so I won't make it seem like I own you."

Iris hopped a little closer, intrigued. Her gut was still pricked by the tiniest needle. Taylor stroked her head and stood up slowly. He motioned for Iris to follow, so she did. "I want you to meet my cat. She should be around here somewhere. "Lucy!" He cupped his hands around his mouth. A cat stalked out of the grass. She was a silver tabby with light blue eyes that landed on Iris. Lucy crouched and growled. Taylor bent down to tell Lucy not to hurt Iris. She swiveled her head around and flew up onto Taylor's shoulder so the cat couldn't reach her. Taylor laughed a little.

"She won't hurt you now."

Suddenly Lucy turned and raced off toward the woods. Taylor reached out a hand.

"No wait!" Iris screeched in surprise and jumped into the air off of Taylor's shoulder when he started to run. She flapped after him, but he soon slowed. He had doubled over, panting.

Iris cocked her head. He should have been able to run faster, longer. But he seemed worn out already. Iris knew something was wrong when she felt a stab. Ouch! She squawked. She had never felt something like that before, but it wasn't a problem inside Iris, it was something inside Taylor. She could sense his heartbeat, it was quick, and it was hurting Taylor. Slowly and painfully, he stood up and staggered to his house. His mother met him with open arms.

"Taylor, why did you do that? The cat will come back, you should worry about your health! Go on up to your room, get some rest." His mom fussed.

Iris watched him shuffle away and he disappeared into the house. From her tree, Taylor's window slid open and he beckoned to Iris. When she landed on the sill, he knelt inside. His green gaze bore into Iris's eyes, like he was looking straight through her, into her soul. Here was a human who understood her intelligence.

"The reason I'm not like the others is, I'm not strong. Something is wrong with my heart, it's weak, so I can't do things other kids can do."

Iris nodded, showing her understanding. That's why he couldn't run, or play. That's why he was always inside. Taylor sighed.

"I know I'm going to die soon. I've had surgeries, lots of them. And now a raven was sent to let me know. But you can leave if you want, I saw it coming miles away."

Iris shook her head. She would carry out her job. This boy needed something new in his confined life.