I knew I forgot to do something yesterday: to wit, put this up.
https://moelane.com/tag/the-house/
“But where do they go?” I asked. Betty gave me a look; it took me a moment to realize that this was also meant to be a response. “I think that I would have noticed a pack of dogs around the house!” I said.
Betty poured herself a cup of coffee. “I didn’t say that it was you doing it. Just that everytime anybody did see a lost pet, they always saw it last around where you’re living now. And not just cats and dogs, either. At least one person, maybe twenty years ago, moved here and he brought a parrot with him. I remember seeing it in the cage, being carried up the sidewalk to the house, and I said to myself Man, that’s a shame. It was a pretty bird. And a week later, it was gone.” Betty shook her head. “Must of gotten the cage door open. That’s what my dad said, at least.”
“And the window? Did the parrot open that, too?” I asked.
“They’re smart birds. Maybe it used its beak. You ever see any feathers around the place?”
“No,” I said. “Not a one. You’re welcome to look” — and then I winced, inside, as she brightened a little at that. Betty looked at the wall clock, gave a half smile, and stood up.
“That’s very friendly of you. I think I will.”