Visiting the Cockatiels

We were in the kitchen sipping hot tea with his family when Thomas’s father asked, “Would you like to see the cockatiels over at the children’s museum?”

“Yes!” Thomas cried, and jumped up to get his jacket.

We drove over. It had been more than six months since we had seen the birds. When Thomas put his face to the cage. Tweeter and Pai began squawking and flapping their wings excitedly. They recognized him! He called out their names, gave his signature whistle, and they answered. A little improvised concert was happening. The museum staff gathered around. We all laughed at the sweet scene. Thomas opened the cage and put his finger up to Pai; she jumped on. He brought her to his face and they played “nosey” – something they often had done. Meanwhile, Tweeter happily flew out and circled the room, singing. The reunion was enchanting and joyous. Before we left, Thomas spoke to the birds, giving them his gentlest goodbye.