“So,” said Max after Arthur had zoomed towards Victoria, “what’s the matter, Peter?”
Peter stopped bouncing and perched in the pink bougainvillea to catch his breath.
“My mum and dad don’t seem to understand me. I don’t really like female sparrows,” he said. “I mean, they’re alright to talk to, and go out for an evening with, but I just don’t feel I can settle down with one. I like male sparrows. They’re better company, we have the same sense of humour, and I find them very attractive, if you know what I mean.”
Max, who by nature was attracted to all small, moving and edible things, was confused for a moment. Then, drawing upon his knowledge of Ancient Greece, he gained an insight to the problem.
“You’re probably gay, Peter. That’s good; it’s alright to be gay, in fact, you should be glad. Have you talked to your parents about how you feel?”
“Not really. I feel a bit awkward about it. There are expectations that I’m supposed to fulfil in the child production department and a kind of normality in family relationships that I can’t seem to relate to.”
Max had a good scratch behind his left ear and thought for a while.
“Do you know other sparrows like you?”
“Oh yes, quite a few. We have our own tree far away the square and have great fun together. But, I have to sneak home early and pretend to have been at evening classes learning Catonese or Art. I had a bit of a late party last night, hence the tinsel.”
“I think you should talk to your mum and dad about this. He’s a good friend and has Madam to support him if he needs any help that The Gozo Cat Detectives can’t provide. We try to love everyone, however edible, and to be there to help in times of trouble. I’m so sorry that you feel alienated. It must feel very lonely, even with the help of like-minded friends.”
A cloud of white fur drifted down upon Peter’s tail and got very tangled up in the tinsel. They both laughed, as they knew what it meant. Madam was on their side, which was a great relief, as she was a wise woman. They were on the right track.
Image from https://pixabay.com/en/the-sparrow-bird-the-silhouette-1782079/