Submitted by MARCIA FABER
Lilly’s birthday was coming soon, and there was one thing she wanted more than anything else—a pet.
She was about to turn seven years old and felt she was old enough to take care of one. Lilly dreamed of having a dog, but her parents explained that a dog would be too much work for their family right now.
Lilly understood, but she was still disappointed.
Her mom suggested getting a fish.
Lilly thought about it, but it didn’t seem quite right.
Then her dad suggested a bird.
“When I was growing up, I had a parakeet,” he said. “He was a lot of fun. Sometimes he’d fly around the house and land right on my shoulder.”
Lilly smiled. A bird sounded exciting.
The next day, Lilly and her parents visited the pet store.
There were birds everywhere. Chirping filled the air.
One bird sounded as though it was actually talking. The pet store owner explained that it was a parrot.
While he was speaking, Lilly noticed a bird sitting quietly in a nearby cage. Somehow, he looked a little sad.
She wasn’t sure how a bird could look sad, but that’s what she thought.
The pet store owner noticed her looking.
“His name is Willy,” he said.
“Willy?” Lilly laughed. “That rhymes with Lilly!”
The owner carefully opened the cage door.
To everyone’s surprise, Willy flew straight onto Lilly’s shoulder.
Lilly looked at Willy.
Willy looked at Lilly.
At that moment, she knew.
Willy was going to be her new pet.
Lilly and her parents bought a cage, birdseed, and a few toys for Willy to enjoy.
She couldn’t wait to take him home.
After a few days, Lilly was allowed to let Willy fly around the house. Somehow, he always seemed to find his way back to her shoulder.
Soon, Pet Day at school was coming.
Lilly wanted to bring Willy and show him to her class.
Her parents agreed, but they gave her one important rule.
“Willy must stay inside his cage,” her mom said.
Lilly promised.
On Friday, her mom helped carry Willy into the classroom. There were dogs, hamsters, fish, and other pets for everyone to see.
Willy seemed very interested in all the excitement.
Finally, it was Lilly’s turn to talk about her pet.
Just as she began speaking, the cage door suddenly popped open.
Before anyone could react, Willy flew out!
Around the classroom he went.
Then he landed right on top of Mrs. Rose’s head.
The entire class burst into laughter.
Mrs. Rose stood perfectly still.
Willy had become tangled in her curly hair.
Lilly’s eyes grew wide with embarrassment.
Her mom rushed into the room after hearing all the laughter. Together, she and Lilly carefully untangled Willy from Mrs. Rose’s curls.
Thankfully, Mrs. Rose was a very good sport about the whole thing.
Her hair was a little messy, but she couldn’t help laughing too.
As if he finally realized he had caused enough trouble, Willy flew straight back into his cage.
Everyone laughed again.
On the way home, Lilly hugged Willy’s cage.
“You were definitely the most memorable pet today,” she said.
Willy chirped happily.
Lilly smiled.
She loved her silly bird, even if he sometimes caused a little trouble.
But one thing was certain—
Willy would not be attending any more Pet Days!
Message
Pets can be wonderful friends, but they often have minds of their own. Sometimes the funniest memories come from the unexpected adventures we share with them.