It’s been 4 weeks and 1 day since my birthday. Some of you may recall that towards the end of the day, my birthday wasn’t so happy. While I was at school, one of my birds flew away. There has been absolutely no sign of him since, and I’ve lost all hope that we’ll ever get him back.

He’s been with me for 11 years, almost 12, through happy times, sad times, and was always there to listen to me whenever I just needed to vent to him. Whistling little tunes to cheer me up, chewing the corners of my homework, coming with my dad when I was younger to pick me up from school, he did so much for me.

Knowing him, he has probably found another family to care for him. I hope that they’re taking good care of him. I hope that he has someone to gently pet him, hold him against their chest, and feed him all the rice he wants. Even if I never see him again, I hope he’s okay.

Darryl, thank you for being there for me for most of my childhood. I can’t imagine it without you.