A lovebird

Impish and repetitive barking rises on a shrill note. Hesitant squeaks, the shuddering of flapping wings… Even a melodious meow adds at times as in a vain attempt to soothe the discordant symphony I’m greeted with as soon as I set foot in the shop.

     At first taken aback, I raise my hands in a measured gesture to protect my unfortunate ears. Usually, I don’t come to places like this…

     Nonetheless, it would be lacking sense to move back now I am here, so I resolve to make a step forward. I should not forget the important reason that brought me here. As the research project will begin tomorrow, I may not have another occasion to come there.

     Behind the glass barrier, a furry life form elegantly stretches while another one shakes its soft paw to sway a hanging knot ball tied with small bells. Sometimes, its tiny claws get stuck into the strands of twine and it wiggles its paw until freed.

“If I achieve to get the affection of one of these little creatures, I may get a clearer idea about how to charm the director as well.”

     Encouraged by this idea, I make a few steps to contemplate puffy living clouds. Leaning slightly forward, I take a look at their long silken ears. One of them, looking like a snowball, approaches me curiously. Its muzzle sniffing near the glass, it takes a cautious glance at me.

     A faint, discreet smile emerges upon my face as I remove my hands from my ears.

“We look alike.”

     There are so many pets among which to make a choice…

     Taking a step aside, I do not dwell on the playful ones waving their tails at me and finally stops to raise my head at the feathery flying forms.

     I don’t know where to turn my gaze at, as some are rustling to the right, others to the left. To see so many colours gathered in such a small area… It is like putting hand on a treasure full of gems. Each one is precious, each one of their feathers is a caress for the eye.

     At this moment, I remark there is one of these small rainbows that doesn’t flutter around. Perched upon a wooden rod, it stands still. Its fuzz, its wings are grey with a few spots of white and its head is of a soft tone of yellow, remembering calcite minerals. At the top of it, a tuft of feathers is elegantly standing. Though the cutest thing about it is doubtlessly its cheeks, carnelian coloured.

     There’s a hint of melancholy in its gaze.

     At this moment, I know I don’t have to look further.

***

Once back in my room, I press the button at the summit of the cage and the bars of the cage draw back. It seems so peaceful, I am not sure if this cockatiel will even profit from the given space. But I can’t imagine keeping it in a cage.

     I take a glance at it. The shopkeeper explained me that it is a male and also placed on his temple a small device allowing any animal to speak a language understandable by any human. It looks like the ones we all have. A small metallic disc allowing to understand any language spoken as well as to summon an integrated device, a mix of ancients phones and computers.

     Now that I have some spare time, I sit at my desk and take a notebook and a pen I brought with me. People still using such rarities are considered with frowned eyebrows, but I really do like to observe the ink shaping into letters, to hear the murmur of the ballpoint against the paper.

     Grasping the pen, I approach it of a blank sheet of paper and-

“WAZZAH!!”

     I instantly freeze.

     Wings flapping vigorously throughout the room.

     Before I make a move, the parakeet lands dramatically on my desk.

“Free!! At last someone bought me! Ahahhah!”

     Is this really the same one I took in the pet shop?… As I stare at him, the feathered creature turns to face me.

“Congratulations! You’re my lucky owner. Ohh, you’re wondering where’s gone the docile and depressed poor bird?”

     I could swear he took a mischievous glance as he spreads his wings out of nowhere.

“I fooled you! Ahhaha!!”

“…”

     At my lack of answer, he approached the tip of his wing to his chest.

“I’m a good comedian, right?”

     I did not know birds could scheme such plans.

“But no hard feelings, yes? I really didn’t want to wait any longer in there.”

“…”

“Come to think of it, you haven’t said a single thing since then. Do you have a voice?”

     Curious, the cockatiel folds back his wings and approaches me.

     After a while, I avert my gaze.

     It is peculiar to think I had been fooled by a bird. It wasn’t exactly my intention to adopt such an… energetic living form.

“You’re angry? You won’t bring me back to the pet store, will you?”

     Shifting from one paw to the other, he is seemingly disquieted.

     I shake my head slightly. Now that I am in charge of him, I am not going to abandon him. And… If he is that intelligent, than maybe he will manage to help me fulfilling my mission better than I hoped. But for the time being, I still have to win his affection.

“Hooh! I knew you were a good girl!”

     Rejoicing from my promise, the parakeet jumps on my shoulder, nestling his head against my cheek.

“I love you sweetie!”

     At this moment… A question mark may almost shape above my head. I… already won it? The woman in Amahara’s garden told me it can be earned in no time, however… This fast? I haven’t done a single thing…

     Having a vague inkling that my first attempt to find a way to charm the director is a complete failure, I remain still as the feathery creature rubs his head against my cheek.

***

The following day is an important one, and I leave my room in the morning to join the meeting organized by the staff of Amahara Corporation. My cockatiel hovers in the corridor next to me.

     We reach a large room and as I enter I realize that some people are already there, seating in the amphitheatre. Other participants to the project. We’ll be about forty if my souvenirs are correct. Both men and women of variable ages have been required.

     Though, I don’t gaze at them longer than necessary. Merely the time to sight the look of the room, its sleek design.

     Less than a quarter of an hour later, the parakeet settled on my shoulder, numerous members of the staff along with the remaining participants have joined the room. The staff members are wearing physician’s white coat. Certainly the researchers working on the project. As they begin to chatter among them and to bustle around like bees, I guess the meeting is about to begin.

     And indeed, Marygold Leafeyorb soon crosses the threshold. My eyes lock on his confident expression. His hands lightly pressed one against the other in his back, he approaches the stage on a serene pace.

     The researchers as well as the participants go silent.

     Standing behind his desk, the director faces the audience and offers them a gentle smile.

“Welcome to all of you. First, I would like to thank all of you for your presence. It means a lot for Amahara Corporation. Thanks to your collaboration, I am sure we’ll be able to complete our research project successfully. As the director of Amahara Corporation – Mr. Leafeyorb – I wished to present you more precisely the overall aspects of the study you’ll participate in, The Scent.”