Lonely Scarecrow's Arc

Chapter 3 of 5

The Scarecrow returned to his post and settled his boots back into the grooves. The crows stayed at the maple tree, pecking at the scattered seeds. He'd walked away from his spot for the first time in seven seasons, and it hadn't mattered. They hadn't even looked frightened. He stood there watching them, thinking about the old crossroads sign he'd seen once, years ago, when the farmer had first carried him through the hills. Two wooden arms pointing in opposite directions, both paths leading somewhere different. He'd never understood why anyone would need a sign like that — his own path had always been clear. Stand here. Scare birds. But now the crows were at the maple tree, and his post stood empty behind him, and he couldn't be in both places at once. Then the sky darkened. He looked up and saw them — dozens of crows descending in a black wave, wings spread wide and gleaming. They weren't heading for the maple tree. They were coming straight down into the golden corn field itself, the one he'd been placed to protect. The first bird landed between two rows of tall stalks. Then another. Then ten more, dropping into the corn like stones into water. The soft sound of beaks tearing into ripe kernels carried across the field. The Scarecrow ran. He left his post without thinking, boots pounding across the dirt toward the corn. He crashed into the first row with his arms wide, shouting sounds he'd never made before. The nearest crows lifted off, circled once, and landed three rows over. He chased them there, swinging his wooden arms, and they moved again — not away, just farther into the field. Behind him, the crows at the maple tree stayed where they were. Ahead of him, the flock kept eating, always one step out of reach. He stopped in the middle of the corn, breathing hard, and understood: he could chase them forever and never scare them all away. His best wasn't enough. But standing still and letting them eat wasn't an option either. So he'd keep moving, keep trying, even if it meant he'd never stand in one place again.