Chapter 4: The School Parrot

As the two boys walked down the winding path, they barely spoke. João admired the view and beamed about with the serenity of one who has earned a holiday, although it was only midweek.
“Can you believe we got away with it, João? asked Tony with a chuckle. “I think this is the angriest I have ever seen Brother Timothy. I can still see his beet red face with the blood vessels bulging out in his neck.”
“Yes, Brother Timothy’s face was as red as his hair!” agreed João. “He sure doesn’t have a sense of humor and neither does Brother Edward the principal. They were so angry!”
“I didn’t think we’d get the whole class in trouble over that stupid parrot!” added Tony.
“Ha!” You should have taught that parrot to say one thing when the brothers were around and another thing when everyone else was there,” continued João. “I guess that parrot’s too dumb to tell the difference between Christian Brothers black robes and the kids bright blue uniforms though!” chuckled João.
The boys trudged along the muddy tracks feeling the squish of wet earth as it oozed between their bare toes. They walked along unaware of the surrounding beauty, through the wet ferns and coconut palms swaying in the breeze, both intent on their conversation.