Tito the Lonely Barn Owl

There was a barn owl by the name of Tito. Tito was a solitary fellow. Aimlessly flying across the Midwest, his nights were generally the same. He'd find a mouse to catch for a meal, sit on a high tree branch and watch the sunset, preen his feathers, and keep to himself, particularly avoiding other owls.

It is in a barn owl's nature to want solitude, so his isolation was not unusual. At the same time, however, he longed for connection. He'd give up the fattest rodent in the world for it. Night after night he'd imagine what it would be like to have a friend, a confidant, maybe even a mate. Life experience had convinced him otherwise, though.

Ever since he was a young chick, Tito was ostracized by the other barn owls, even his own family. The reason? He had a jagged brown streak stretching diagonally across his white heart-shaped face. He was born with it. He'd keep telling himself that he was normal, only different in appearance. But the other owls - those owls with their unblemished faces - could not see past that streak. They ridiculed him, they were scared of him, they judged him. Whenever his father would return with food, Tito would be the last among his siblings to eat. The less tasty pickings were often left for him, too.

Mating seasons were also rough. He would perform the most ambitious and impressive flights for the female owls, yet they never seemed to care. No flight routine changed the fact his face was imperfect. One time he thought he finally impressed someone, but she immediately disregarded him when another male owl swooped in and won her affection. All that owl had to do was flap his wings for a bit and not have a streak on his face.

Eventually, Tito accepted the idea that he was going to be alone forever. He was not happy about it; he was quite bitter. Why fight it, though? Some days he appreciated his independence. He could do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Still, most other days he yearned for a community. But seeking it seemed not to be worth the effort anymore. He would always be a lonely owl.

Or so he thought.

The thunderstorm was severe in rural Oklahoma. Every few moments the night sky would light up, followed by a loud rumbling. Tito glided low to the ground, scanning for food. Several hundred yards away, a vole was making haste toward a burrow under a tree. Tito swiftly flew towards it, but just when he thought he had it in his clutches, a lightning bolt struck the tree. A branch snapped off and fell on top of Tito mid-descent.

Tito came crashing down onto the damp ground. The vole disappeared into the burrow. Tito let out a harsh screech. Although nothing was broken, he did not have the strength to get up. Or maybe he did…but why bother? Like a flash of lightning unexpectedly appearing, all of Tito’s self-doubts and negative thoughts flashed back. He wasn’t fine on his own. He was robbed of a good childhood. He was never accepted by his family. No one would be his friend. No lady owl would agree to be his mate -

Tito suddenly felt something nudge against him. It was soft and comforting. It gently propped him up. He looked at his helper and was stunned.

Her name was Alba. She was the most magnificent barn owl Tito had ever laid his eyes on. She appeared just as she had felt: gentle and caring. She must have heard his screech earlier and come to help. It was not only Alba’s calming demeanor that caught Tito off guard. She too had a jagged streak across her face. It was most exciting; he did not feel so alone anymore.

Alba took off in the air and beckoned him. Having a newfound sense of willpower he had never felt before, Tito flew after her. He did not even notice that the storm had intensified. Thunder rolled heavily and rain fell hard.

After a couple of miles, Alba and Tito approached an abandoned barn. They flew through an open window, and Tito was met with the most wondrous sight. There was a community of barn owls, all with imperfect faces. The markings varied, from jagged streaks to polka dots to large blots.

The owls all looked up at Tito and Alba and offered friendly screeches as welcome. Here, in the shelter from the storm, Tito knew he found what he had been looking for.

Weeks passed, though for Tito it seemed like days. He fit right in with the community. He didn't feel like he had to go above and beyond to find acceptance; he could simply be himself. He and his many new friends would compete to capture the most prey and bring back to the barn. Some evenings for entertainment they would also perform aerial choreography in the moonlight.

Also, Alba happily agreed to be Tito's mate. Before he knew it, Tito was a father to three baby owls. What's more, each of them had uniquely intricate designs on their heart-shaped faces. Tito loved and cherished them all. Because he knew what loneliness felt like, he held a much deeper appreciation for Alba, his babies, and his community.

There was a barn owl by the name of Tito. Tito was once a lonely fellow.

Not anymore.