Read to the End

All That's Missing is a Pear Tree

I flop on my bed, trying to think of a way out of this, but I'm exhausted and can't focus.

Next thing I know, it's dark outside. I must have dozed off. In my confusion, I sit up and rub my eyes. Looking across the room, I notice the bird standing on my dresser, right next to my television.

It switches from one leg to the other and bounces a little.

"Hey, monster, how long was I out?"

Chirp.

"That long?" I say. "You just been sitting there this whole time? Why didn't you attack?"

It tilts its head. And for the first time I don't have the feeling it's going to hurt me. It almost looks thoughtful.

"Well as long as you're here, how 'bout you bring me the remote?"

With no expectation it understands my request, I stand up to do it myself, but as I do, it actually floats over to my desk, pulls up the remote in its mouth and claws, and flies it over to me. The remote drops into my open hands.

I'm speechless.

Flying back to the dresser, it stares up at the TV as though I'm not even in the room. What is going on? I must still be asleep or something.

"Th-thanks."

It nods.

"Do you understand me?" I ask.

It nods again.

"What are you?"

It turns its head and looks into my eyes. Its mouth opens. I wait.

Nothing.

Of course.

Because birds can't talk. But I didn't think they could follow commands either. I think I may be losing my grasp on reality. If that's the case, I'm going to enjoy a show before my mind goes.

***

December 23rd

The next day, the bird lets me leave my room. I was afraid to try, but after explaining what I was doing, it lifted a wing and pointed out of the room as if saying there's the exit. Now it follows close behind as I head outside to search for my phone. When I find it under a bush, I pace in the backyard while I text a couple of co-workers. Most don't respond, but the ones who do are adamant they didn't get me a bird or any gift for that matter. I contemplate texting Jake and my parents, but I decide I don't want to start up a line of communication again.

I rack my mind, but I can't think of anyone who would gift me a living creature. I can barely take care of myself. And I have no idea what to feed a bird or how to take care of one.

"Hey, bird. What do you eat?" I ask.

It walks away.

"Where are you going?"

I follow close behind as it continues its trek to the front door and jumps up on the step. It points with its beak toward the cage. The cage hasn't moved, but now it's filled with bird seed up to the bars. I don't remember that from yesterday.

"Huh," I say. "Go at it."

I watch as it jumps onto the cage and picks at the seed through the bars. What an odd creature. Odd, but not as scary as I thought.

"I'm going inside."

It looks up, eyes wide.

"Don't worry, I'll leave the door open."