A Day to Give Thanks
By: Gabriella Balcom
Tom Turkey had no appetite but ate anyway. Then he forced himself to eat even more food. He'd been doing the same thing for days now, trying to gain weight.
His mate, Tamara, understood his motivation and sobbed. Their son, Tucker, had been sold for Thanksgiving, and the purchaser would be coming for him soon. She'd begged the other turkeys for help, but none of them knew what to do. They all felt worried and hopeless.
When the day of dread finally arrived, the man who'd bought Tucker came for him. Tom had his son hide, though, and took his place.
As he awaited death hours later, Tom heard the man talking and his stomach lurched. He trembled so badly; his legs threatened to give way beneath him. What he'd overheard was much worse than anything he could've imagined. That sadistic human planned to yank out his feathers, chop off his feet and head, then boil him in hot oil.
Without any warning, a large, glowing turkey appeared in front of Tom, and studied him silently.
"The Great Gobbler," he whispered, eyes widening. "You’re real? I thought you were nothing but a myth." Sinking to the ground, he lowered his head.
"I'm very real," the being replied. "And I'm here because of you, my child. Sacrificing yourself to save another is noble. It's the greatest, bravest thing a turkey can do, and I'm rewarding you…"
On Thanksgiving day, Tom bowed his head. Heart overflowing with gratitude, he uttered a heartfelt prayer before beaming at Tamara, Tucker, and their relatives and friends who were seated around the long banquet table. "This truly is a time for giving thanks," he said. "Our days of fear are over, and we've prepared an extra-special feast to celebrate the occasion."
Standing, he reached for the sharp knife Tamara had prepared for him and studied their main course. The man was baked to a golden perfection and lay on a large platter, an apple in his mouth.
"Would you like white meat or dark?" Tom asked the turkey to his left. "A slice from the chest, maybe? Or do you want some brain instead?"
Tamara rose and came to whisper in his ear. "Do you think one human is enough to feed everyone?"
"Don't worry," Tom reassured her. "If not, we have plenty more."
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