I saw my second off to college. Much like the first, it was all I could do to hold back my tears. This one was deeper since both had now flown the nest, and I was officially alone.
That wasn't the plan. Their father was supposed to be with me, pretending to be strong for all of us, but really doing his best to hold himself together. Afterward, we might find ourselves at a motel, or a byway, and we'd find comfort in each other. In other words, we'd fuck like animals.
I managed to pull myself together--with some helpful horn suggestions from those behind me--and pulled away.
Driving home, I thought back to when it had all gone sideways.
When the girls were early teenagers, our family dog had crossed the rainbow bridge. This, of course, was a
disaster
, and I went out in search of a new furry family member.
I went to the shelter, but none were right. I went to the local pet store. Still looking for the perfect, loyal family dog, I trod through the kennels, but none appealed. Nor did the cats.
I found myself in the exotic pet area. Snakes, tarantulas, monkeys--I couldn't see trying to take care of one of these. Then I passed the bird area. Aha, I thought. Birds are easy and cute.
I was looking at a particularly colorful parrot when a worker happened in.
"You seem awfully interested in Polly."
"She's a beautiful bird."
"You'd think so, but she's been brought back several times."
Polly chimed in: "Rawk! New girl! New girl!"
Maybe the previous adopters just couldn't handle a bird. How hard could it be? Besides, Polly was really pretty. Lovely plumage even if she wasn't a Norwegian Blue. I settled up with the store and took Miss Polly home.
I set Polly's cage in the living room. I was curious what the family would think. This wouldn't be what anyone had in mind when I volunteered to find a new family pet.
