Not Every Bird

So what's happening? asks Terence.

Nothing, says Sweezus.

About my new parrot, says Terence.

I thought you had one, says Sweezus. A comb-crested jacana.

He wasn't a PARROT! says Terence.

I know that, says Sweezus. And this is the first time you've admitted that not every bird is a parrot.

I've got a bird book, says Terence. NO bird is a parrot.

Can't be right, says Sweezus. Show us your bird book.

There's a bird book on the table. Arthur picks it up.

Shorebird identification booklet, says Arthur. No parrots.

See? says Terence. They must have all DIED!

There are plenty of parrots round here, says Gloria. Endemic and non-endemic.

Which one means dead? asks Terence.

Neither, says Gloria.

Terence supposes she's lying. Like when the Virgin says nothing happens at Christmas.

Tell you what, little buddy, says Sweezus. First thing in the morning we'll head out and find you a parrot.

I'll come with you, says Gloria.

Is it first thing yet? asks Terence.

Not yet, says Sweezus. Stand near the window. When the sky lightens, that's the first thing.

He and Arthur collapse on their bunk beds.

Terence stands near the window.

Gloria thinks about parrots. She hasn't much bothered with parrots. Kangaroos, possums, emus, flying foxes, barramundi, sting rays, turtles, crocodiles, heroic beings. No parrots. Shame that her potting days are over, too late now to start a story pot based on a parrot.........

Gaius and Humboldt come in.

It's very quiet, says Humboldt.

I'm waiting for a parrot, says Terence.

Should we leave the door open? asks Gaius.

NO! says Terence. I'm waiting for first thing in the morning.

That's a while off, says Gaius. Is Arthur back yet from the pub?

Yes, says Gloria. Arthur and Sweezus. They're sleeping. First thing in the morning Sweezus and I are taking Terence on a parrot hunt.

Excellent, says Gaius. Endemic or non-endemic?

Which one means alive? asks Terence.

I told you, says Gloria. Neither.

Wah! says Terence. I want a live one.

Endemic means native to the area, says Gaius. Non-endemic means not. You should probably look for a non-endemic parrot as you will want it to accompany you back to Adelaide in the near future.

Very sensible! says Humboldt.

Yay! Terence knew he was sensible.