Morning had begun to break and first light illuminated Ty's bedroom. The two birds stood on the floor together looking up at a window that was denying their access to the outside world.
"No problem." Ty finally chirped. "I'll just open it for us."
"Oh, of course!" Jane chuckled. "How silly of me. You can just will it open."
Ty closed his eyes, concentrated, and the window above them rattled slightly but did not open. Ty opened his eyes in shock. "Uh-oh."
"Maybe it's because you've changed!" Jane suggested helpfully, trying not to panic. "Try again, friend."
Again, Ty concentrated, seemingly struggling with it. The window raised half an inch, then fell sharply as Ty let out a deep gasp. He looked up at the window in horror, looked back at Jane, and their eyes widened.
"You can't?" Jane blinked. "That's not good!"
"I know! I'm sorry." Ty hung his head. "I wanted to go outside with you."
"Outside??" Jane laughed nervously. "Oh, Ty. You're such a sweetheart. No, I'm more worried that you're stuck! You know, as a bird? If you've lost your gift you might never be a human again!"
The realization dawned on him and Ty stared at Jane thinking through such a fate for a moment. She stared at him sadly, scared for her friend, but Ty only brightened and seemed relieved. "You know, as long as I've got you, I never much liked being human anyway."
"Oh, don't say such nonsense!" Jane shook her head. "Now try changing back."
Ty concentrated again, focusing on himself, and they both held their breath. Again, Ty struggled, it was clearly difficult for him to use his power now. He grunted, tried harder, and his avian face contorted into pain.