One afternoon, I came home from school and decided to go horseback riding. It was such a beautiful day and I knew that Gem would be happy to get out for some exercise. I went to the stable, got her ready and set off. I chose to travel along some quiet country roads.

     After we had been walking for a while, we turned a sharp corner in the road. All along one side there were trees. They were tall with thick leaves and many branches. Something moved very slightly in the branches of one tree and it caught my eye. I pulled Gem to a stop so that I could listen and watch. 

     The afternoon was coming to an end and the sounds of birds finding a resting place for the night filled the air. The sun was sending a warm, golden glow through the branches and leaves; making them look like they were on fire. As my eyes got used to the strange light I suddenly saw what had moved. It was a magnificent barn owl.

     I’d only ever seen a barn owl in a picture before and I was amazed at how beautiful it was. Its feathers shone in the light from the setting sun. It sat so still, its body didn’t move even though all the other small birds were still flying around and arguing about the best sleeping spots.

     All of a sudden, it turned its head and looked straight at me. I think it knew that I didn’t want to hurt it because it just sat there with its eyes fixed on us. I didn’t want to move, I wanted to remember every detail of this stunning creature.

     As I sat there a cool breeze blew gently across my cheeks. I realized that it was growing dark and I needed to get back home. Gently, I squeezed my legs and Gem obeyed, moving slowly forward. The owl stayed perched on its branch, waiting for dusk to become night.