chapter 42

HENRY

Henry watched the boy stumble out of the market.

“Beautiful bird,” said Luna. Her voice was thick, like she was holding back tears.

“It is, isn’t it?” said Jake with the same voice.

Henry knew they were both about to cry because he felt the same way.

“Live and learn, live and learn—” squawked Tiger.

Luna laughed. “But I don’t think you’re buying this bird now, are you?” she said. “Unless it’s new, I don’t think I have a bird aisle. But I could, I certainly could. It’s a new day, a new world— Why not sell birds—”

Henry laughed too, glad for the distraction.

Jake paid for the sodas.

“Thank you,” he said.

“My pleasure,” said Luna.

“And good luck.”

“Good-bye,” said Henry.

“Good-bye, honey,” said Luna.

“See ya later, alligator,” said Tiger.

“True words,” laughed Luna. “As God is my witness, I saw an upside-down alligator by the side of the street on my way to work. It is a new world—”