The fall's brilliant, fiery leaves were becoming a little muted with the stage of the season. Although less jazzy, they seemed more harmonious. 

Marley loved jumping through the thick layers of leaves that lay on the ground at this time of year. She and Zaily May went out to play for the day.

 

As they amused themselves in the never-ending display of beauty, they took in deep breaths of the smell that only fallen dried leaves can smell like. “It’s the best smell in the world!” Zaily exclaimed.  She said this about most things.

 

They decided to roll down the hill by the small pond nearby. The one with the double bridge, and the island in the middle that the geese use as a safe spot.  They had never crossed the pond to get to the island before.  Today, however, they were feeling a little adventurous.  They built themselves a raft, much like Huckleberry Finn’s, and sailed the couple feet to the land in the middle.

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When they got off board, they heard a small humming noise.  “That is peculiar,” commented Marley. “Are my ears ringing, or am I hearing the sound of God?”

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“No, No, I hear it too,” answered back Zaily May. They knew they had to uncover the mystery of the sound.  The more inland they went, the more it became less like a hum and more like a voice singing.

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“It might seem crazy what I’m ‘bout to say….. .”  Now they could distinguish words in the song.  “Who is singing?” they said in unison.

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“Hum along if you feel like a room without a roof.  Humm along if you feel like happiness is the truth. Hum along if you know what happiness is to you.….”

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They could not help their feet from moving. They seemed to be tap dancing, the music moved them so.  As they danced to the rhythm, the voice got louder and louder. All of a sudden a streak of color flew past them and stopped suddenly in midair.

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“Hello,” said the colorful creature.

“Hello,” said the duo, once again in unison.

“How are you?” said the creature.

“What are you?” said the two.

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“I am a hummingbird. I symbolize the enjoyment of life and the lightness of being. I invite you to enjoy the sweetness of life and lift yourself up from negativity whenever it creeps in. I wish for you to express love more fully in your daily endeavors,” replied the creature.

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Marley and Zaily were flabbergasted, to say the least. They had never heard such uplifting words of advice before.  “This is the best day ever!” exclaimed Zaily May. “Where are you from?” she questioned.

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“My name is Olivia, and I come from Bolivia.  As I was flying high one day the winds switched and I came a little too far north. I must head back to my homeland soon.”

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The three spent the rest of the day together enjoying each other’s company and taking in the warm sunshine.