
This Songbird Must Fly
La Diva is dying. Everyone knows it. Doctors, nurses, the hospital chaplain, loyal friends and followers – everyone knows that her illness has progressed too far; Francesca cannot possibly live much longer.
Everyone knows, that is, except Francesca. “I refuse to die!” she shouts at the doctor who stops by on his rounds. “I will leave this hospital singing!” she insists to her followers and friends, in response to their telegrams, massive bouquets and comfort cards.
The nurses all try to avoid her, terrified of the fury in her eyes and her critical comments. “You’re too old,” she mutters to one nurse. “Too fat,” to another. “Too ugly.” “Too awkward.” Only one nurse pleases her – young Nurse Heidi. Francesca watches the slim figure straighten the bed, adjust the blinds, gracefully balance the dinner tray. Heidi hums while she works. “You’re out of tune,” Francesca says thoughtfully. “I know,” says the beautiful nurse. “I do love to sing, but can never get the right note!” They laugh together, and Francesca pats her hand reassuringly. “Never you mind, bella.” There’s a wild cunning in her eyes.
Hour after hour, Heidi sits by the Diva’s bedside, listening to her life stories with rapt attention. Francesca describes every role, every opera house, every standing ovation of her career. “I’m known as ‘l’uccello canoro’ – the songbird of Milan. Of the whole world! Of course I cannot die.” Every hour her voice grows weaker, her face paler, her breath more labored.
Finally she whispers, “Come close. Closer. Closer still.” She pulls Heidi’s face down with surprising strength until their foreheads are touching. Time seems to hang suspended, then finally resumes. Francesca, the glorious Diva, is gone.
Heidi springs up triumphantly, marches down the hall to the administrative offices where she announces her resignation, effective immediately. “But why?” splutters the department head. “You’re our best nurse, the one with the healing hands, the special calling!” Heidi laughs and exclaims, “Questo uccello canoro deve volare!” And she rushes down the corridors to freedom, trailing fragments of song behind her, every note in perfect tune.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIn this one, the reader knows that La Diva is dying, but this ending was not at all anticipated.. Francesca may have died, but the Songbird did not.

Love the way you blended Italian into your story, Julie. In a way I am glad that the nurse leaves the hospital with both healing hands and musical skills.
You may want to read the story again, Margarida. All is not as it seems ..
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAnother great story, Julie. I feel very sorry for Heidi; I wonder if she’s still in there, overpowered by a stronger personality, or has she been pushed out altogether. A gripping tale, very nicely done ?
Ha, Carrie – that is the question, isn’t it? Poor sweet, gentle Heidi. All she ever wanted was to be a good nurse. So we might ask, who left the hospital singing and running to “freedom”?
I feel sorry for Francesca. Hopefully, she will accept her death for the peace of her soul. I was so carried away by the sadness I was feeling. I hope Heidi didn’t resign either. Anyway, your story is so captivating and engaging. It is another very nice story related to music, Julie. Good job.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m afraid Francesca didn’t accept her death at all, nor is she likely to find much peace. Poor Francesca, so caught up in her own ego. Poor Heidi, no match for the stronger-willed woman. Thank heavens it’s just a story! Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Lotchie.
You’re welcome, Julie.
I am happy to be back.
The challenge for the reader is to recognise the supernatural power which is implicit in “This Songbird Must Fly.” Good work, Julie!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAha – yes, you’re right Dipayan. That is the challenge. Thanks for reading and for your good observations.
You’re welcome, Julie.
A wonderful, mysterious tale about “mind over matter.” I love the Italian setting, with the powerful diva in charge, not only over the hospital but over life and death as well. Not only did she have perfect pitch, but also a very strong mind. You built the story very well, making her promise that she would leave the hospital singing. And she did, but in a younger body. Great work, Julie!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello Christer. As a trained classical musician, Italian phrases are a daily part of my life, even though I don’t speak the language. I imagined that Francesca just had to be Italian, based in Milan. Where else for opera? I was actually inspired by an Agatha Christie short story, entitled “The Fourth Man”. Her characters were not related to opera, but there is a common thread, of the strong-willed, very ill girl… Read more »
Chilling, Julie! Alas, in a new young body the diva will become even more obnoxious but, sadly, those with great talent are often forgiven their cruel ways 🙁
A great story and definitely scary!
Ha ha, Sandra. Yes she will probably get more obnoxious as time (and lives) go by. But what a glorious voice!! ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love the idea that when someone is remembered or leaves something behind, he/she will never die. Francesca certainly believed that and through Heidi, she carried on flying. Both women had their wish. Wonderful story, Julie!
Thanks so much Greene, for reading and commenting. Writing is fun, isn’t it?
It certainly is!
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