Quail, Peacock and Pheasant were strolling through the woods when a man appeared.
“I’m having a very special dinner and there’s one seat left at my table,” he said. “Who would like to attend my feast?”
The three birds exchanged uneasy glances over the man’s odd request. They didn’t notice Turkey who overheard and crashed into the conversation from his hiding spot in the bush.
“Me! Me! Invite me,” he said.
“I want to make a fair choice, so why don’t we hold a contest? Best bird wins,” the man said. “Who among you has the shiniest plumage?”
Quail bobbed his black topknot, Pheasant stretched out his emerald neck and Peacock elongated his beautiful tail feathers, but Turkey jumped in front of them all.
“It’s definitely me. Look at this,” Turkey said as he shimmied, his brown tail feathers wagging.
“Okay,” the man said. “Who among you sings the prettiest song?”
Quail purred, Peacock honked and Pheasant crowed. Turkey let out a loud gobble-gobble.
“Clearly, I sing the most charming melody,” Turkey said.
“Last one,” the man said. “Who among you is the meatiest?”
All of the other birds quickly pointed at Turkey.
“It appears we have a winner,” the man said. “Come along, Turkey. You’ve earned a spot at my dinner table.”
“Wait a minute,” Julie said. “Is that really why we eat turkey?”
“Yeah, pretty sure,” Uncle Mark said after downing his fourth beer.
🔬📖 Microfiction entry for 11.26 | Happy Thanksgiving!
📸 Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash