Before Another War

Some Years Ago

It was about twelve pm on a Saturday and Sarah was struggling to finish off her homework in her room. Her grades had never been brilliant, but recently, they'd been getting worse.

'Don't bother with that!' Ernie squawked, ruffling his feathers. She'd been looking after him for a few months now and he was getting very good with words. He could speak in full sentences, and sometimes, Sarah could swear that he understood what she was saying.

Sighing, she got up from the desk, closed her door and windows, and peered into the cage.

'Are you going to let me finish my work?'

'Yes,' the bird replied. Sarah knew he wasn't really answering the question. Ernie just knew to respond to the tone of her voice. She flicked open the cage and he leapt out, flying up to perch on the lampshade on the ceiling.

Sarah went back to her homework, but it wasn't long before the doorbell rang. Intrigued, she crept out into the hallway to eavesdrop, leaving her bedroom door open.

Downstairs, her mother opened the door. Sandra didn't speak for a moment, unable to find the words.

'Hello,' The Man said. 'I don't suppose you have my parrot?'

Sarah was crushed. No, no, no. He can't have found him. Her pulse quickened, as thin and shallow as a frightened rabbit.

'Oh, you're his owner? Yes, we have him.'

Sarah sighed, knowing she wouldn't be allowed to keep Ernie. Still, she couldn't help but wonder how the owner had tracked him down. They'd found him months ago.

The man grinned at Sandra.

'Brilliant! Do you mind if I come in to see him?'

Sandra, still feeling uneasy, opened the door wider to let him in.

Meanwhile, Sarah began to worry. How did she know he'd look after the bird properly? He'd let Ernie escape once before, what was stopping that from happening again?

For a moment, she debated hiding him, pretending he'd flown off. But that wouldn't be fair.

As soon as the door shut behind the man, Ernie leapt from his perch and flew out the bedroom and down the stairs. she sprang to her feet and chased after him. What's he doing? The stupid bird. But Ernie wasn't stupid. He knew exactly who had just turned up.

The parrot flew in and landed with a delicate thump on The Man's shoulder.

'Max!' He exclaimed, chuckling.

Sarah, close behind, walked in and stared at the floor.

'Hi love,' said Sandra, trying to gauge her daughter's mood. She placed her hands on Sarah's shoulders. 'We've found Ernie's owner. That's good, right?'

Sarah said nothing. There was no point. She'd already lost Ernie. Feeling a tear coming to her eye, she stormed out of the room, not wanting to let them see.

Sarah knew how immature it was, but she was only thirteen.

In the kitchen, the man, with Ernie still on his shoulder, turned to Sandra,

'Let me talk to her.'

Before she could reply, he was already in the hall.

Sarah had run into the living room and was sat on the sofa, her face buried in a cushion. The man came in.

'Hello,' he said, sitting next to her.

The was the first time she noticed the man's strange appearance. At least, it was strange for someone in England.

He was tall with tan skin and long dark hair tied back into a braid. Despite the warm weather, he wore a huge puffy brown fur jacket.

Later, her mother mentioned something about him being an Inuit. But what he was doing in England, in heavy snow gear, trying to find a parrot, escaped her.

'I'm sorry I'm taking your friend away,' he said softly.

Sarah still didn't respond, both too upset and too shy.

'This bird's an invaluable friend of mine, you see. He talks just like a person, doesn't he?'

Wiping a tear from her cheek, she nodded.

'Well,' he leaned in close, whispering. 'That's because he used to be one.'

She laughed in surprise. 'Don't be stupid.'

He chuckled. 'Of course.'

And with that, the man left with a sad smile. He didn't say his goodbyes, instead simply walking down the hall and out the door.

Sandra ran into the living room to check on Sarah, worrying something had gone wrong. But she was fine. Yet, her mind was spinning at a hundred miles an hour. Why had the man said that?

The man never returned, and, over time, it became just a story that Sandra told at dinner parties after a few glasses of wine—the time the Inuit came to tea.

Although, Sarah often found herself thinking back to Ernie, and if she'd ever see him again.