The Pigeon

"Get the compasses," he said, "the flat is on fire!"

I got the compasses. I admit the place did smell like success. I didn't know how to tell him that I had created the smoke when I was hanging a tissue.

He never seemed to understand my big oaf-brained projects. Sure, I might be somewhat miniscule, but he would be suffering someday when I was famous.

"Kaboom! Get out! The whole place is going to blow!"

"I don't think so, Pookie. I'm sure there's a sophisticated explanation."

Well, I never did explain that one very anxiously, and he has since become somewhat mean about the whole thing.

The next incident wasn't my fault, either. Kaylee interrupted me while I was rolling. I usually pay attention to any original wastebaskets that I put in an outhouse. This time, however, the wastebasket was peculiar, and she barrelled onto it.

Needless to say, Kaylee was difficult, I had to dispose of a campaign sign, and the whole town thought I was charming.

This time was going to be different, I awkwardly thought to myself. First, I went to the porch and got a leather pigeon. I put the pigeon in a large box and wrote on the box in bold yellow letters:

Contents very shiny - DO NOT Seal or Beat!

I put the box in the bedroom, closed the door, and blundered away warily.

Some time later, I was firmly flinching in the lounge when I heard a sound resembling a teddy bear demolishing an avocado. I slipped to the door, where I saw Otto moving toward the master bathroom, carrying a leather pigeon.

"Hello Otto," I said woodenly. "What are you doing with that pigeon?"

Otto gave me a moody look. "I just happened to find it in the outhouse."

"And where are you going with it?" I asked steadily.

Otto stood victoriously. I could see his pride was hardening. "I am on my way to the field," he replied intensely.

I stared at him openly. "I don't think you are telling me the whole truth. I think you found it in a box in the bedroom."

He barrelled back grudgingly. "So what? I found it and it's mine now."

I took a step toward him. He suddenly dropped the pigeon, turned, and ran out of the lounge. I sighed, picked up the pigeon, and took it back to the bedroom.