Dusk was falling, and Karen's tally of birds had risen to three. Including a crow which frankly wasn't resting well in her tummy. Karen discovered that when you have gas and only one aperture, and that's flowing a few gallons a minute, passing gas is frothy affair. Karen was alone with her thoughts.
'Hopefully shrill gurgline giggles are a permanent antidote to insanity.'
'That fire must've been out hours ago.
'Or maybe it burned to the ground, but where is that kid!'
'Heh! Maybe I can talk him into wading around for a while. Eating well is the best revenge! Or is it living well that's the best revenge? Where is that kid!'
She's washed her hair out twice. It was easy, she just turned her face straight up and let the water fall back on her head. Shampoo was lacking, but it was still very refreshing.
Then the Averrisens came by while walking, and she saw a shot at rescue. Kimberly Averrisens was profoundy deaf, and Karen knew sign language.
Briefly shutting her mouth and letting the water flow in big splashes, she waved her arms, slapped her tail, and generally did everything she could to attract attention. The Averrisens noticed. Karen was covering the sidewalk they were on with water. When they hestantly approached, Kimberly saw right off that Karen was making with the hand signals.
"Hey Kimberly! That's a lovely dress, how old are you?"
"I'm eight. Are you trying to make the grass grow greener?"
"No. I just wanted to talk to you. You see..."
"Do really eat birds? I don't think you should eat birds, I think you should eat cats..."
"Kim..."
"I had a parakeet 'til last week, but he got loose in the screen porch, and Mrs. Murtchison's cat got in and ate him. He loved me, and I loved him..."
"Kimberly!..."
"I really think you should eat cats, like that mean old Sylvester who's always after Tweety. I miss my birdie..."
The Averrisens were just amused as hell have their daughter chatting away with a despondent statue,a nd it's just as well they could hear what Karen was thinking. 'Jeez! The kids gonna get arthritis from the way she talks. When can I get a word in? How do you out shout someone with your fingers anyway?'
Karen shot a bug slug of water which threatened to splash right on the child, and the Averrisens began to spirit little Kimberly away. For a second, Karen thought she'd blown it, but her dramatic gesturing finally had the intended effect.
"Kimberly, do you know a little boy in your class named Mikey?"
"Yes. Are you going to make me all wet?"
"No. Kimberly, this is important. Tell Mikey to come see me. Okay."
"Okay!" Kimberly turned to scamper off, but glanced back at Karen. "Don't eat anymore birdies Karen. That's mean."
Thank God. "I promise I'll try not to." Karen signed fervently.
Kimberly skipped after her parents, and Karen turned watch the sun just touching the horizon. 'I hope it doesn't get too cold out here.
'And please, please, please! I hope Mikey comes by on his way home from school tomorrow.'
