2020 Gumbo Final - Book - Page 133
arnold
“His name is Ry. He is a parrotlet, the smallest parrot breed.
He’s seven years old and he’s such a diva. He loves meeting
new people. You can see how good he is with people. Just
over there at the LGBTQ+ table, I mean, they absolutely
adored him. He was having conversations with them. He
“talks”. I bring him to class every day, except for Thursdays
because those are my long days. He pretty much stays on
my shoulder. We had a bird growing up, but then he died. My
mom was going to get another one and she asked if I wanted
one too. I was like, “Sure.” I didn’t pay him too much attention.
I would play with him sometimes, so he always had a bond
with me. I’ve really bonded with him since I’ve moved here
and got my own place. I’ve taken him to work and I’ve taken
him to class. He just loves new people. His colors have gotten
so much brighter. Hopefully he’ll live another 15 to 20 years.”
131