The Lovebirds (2)

 The two lovebirds lifted from the tree and swung their wings swiftly in the direction Isang was leading. Along the way, they chatted about everything and everyone they saw. Up above the trees, the birds charted their course with their mental compasses. They were also guided by the sizes, heights and barks of trees; the unique colours like the flaming heads of some and the spaces indicating a valley, stream or even a path for motorized vehicles. Where smoke billowed or its smell was perceived showed nearby was a shack with a human occupant who was probably a hunter, someone setting traps or a gatherer of wild produce. The small spaces humans occupied were along the banks of streams. Isang and Iwang used to count them with the digits of one limb but currently, the picture was drastically changing.

With the time his brain computed they had flown, he was certain the imposing edifice he was looking for should just loom in the distance with its yellowish points this fruitful season. But a vast space ahead with broken tips of trees indicated Isang had travelled in the wrong direction. Or did he?

'Hold it,' Isang said, not believing his eyes. 'I hope I didn't travel the wrong way.' They alighted on the bough of a massive bush mango tree and he was peering around with consternation. The bush mango didn't bear this year as last year the rains, which normally stopped around the middle of October, fell till December; the harmattan - which scorches the leaves and makes them fall - was brief; most fruit trees couldn't flower well while the rain swiftly returned in February instead of March. Generally, fruit trees bore scantily this year. 'But I can remember,' Isang said, thinking hard, 'I mean, the grand high-rise wasn't too far from here.'

'Are you sure, the space ahead isn't an indication,' Iwang uttered, 'of its destruction?'

'Hold it,' Isang replied, 'let me check.'