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Antonio ushered his family into the courtyard of Casita with a huge smile on his face. He had the house bring in the furniture so everyone could sit comfortably and offered snacks and drinks he made, with a little help from Julieta of course.
“What’s this all about hombrecito?” Mirabel giggled as she was gently shoved into her seat. “You’ll find out,” Antonio replied with a small smirk, he’s been hanging out with Camilo too much.
Once everyone was situated, the youngest Madrigal stood in the large space before them. “Welcome la Familia Madrigal to our show.” He exclaimed as he raised his arms to the side. At his signal, a flock of toucans, led by Pico, soard over the open courtyard. They swerved in a tight formation before diving close to the family and flying just above their heads. The birds flew back up and did a loop in the air before separating and landing on Casita’s roof.
“We hope you enjoy.” Antonio took a small bow, earning a quick cheer from his family.
The boy turned and cupped his hands to his mouth. He made a series of calls before more feathered friends appeared in the sky. In the center were a flock of woodpeckers, on their right White-tipped quetzals, and on the left a group of tanagers. The three species made a grand show of color as they zipped through the sky. Antonio raised his hand and the fowl flew to rest on the upstairs railing.
“Just like people, birds have lots of fun talents.” The youngest spoke. “Everyone thinks flying is the coolest but there are other tricks, like my friend Emerald.” At the name, a green and blue parrot sailed down to perch on the boy’s shoulder. “Say hello Emerald.” The parrot squawked back. “Hola amigos! Hola amigos!” Antonio smiled and held out his hand. The bird hopped down to the palm as the boy carried him closer to the Madrigals. “Tell mi famila how your Spanish is going.”
“Muy bien.” The bird nodded. “Hola famila, que pasa, que pasa?” “Emerald, you should greet them correctly.” Antonio encouraged the parrot as he walked up to his sister. He held out his hand and Dolores took it with curiosity. The bird was placed on her arm and Antonio stepped away. “Now use your manners.” The child instructed. Emerald flapped his wings as he nibbled at the girl’s bow. “Hermana Dolores.” He chirped. “Very good!” Antonio praised, “who’s that?” He pointed to the shapeshifter next. The bird hopped over to rest on their soft curls. “Hermano Camilo.”
The parrot flapped over to Mirabel next and pecked at her glasses. “Prima Mira, Prima Mira!” It sang. “We’re still working on the rest.” Antonio shrugged. Next Emerald flew over to land in Isabela’s lap. “Flor niña.” “Si, but do you know her name?” The zoolinguist leaned on his toes. The bird bobbed his head to the side a few times before chirping out “Prima Isa.” “Close enough.” Isabela chuckled. Next Emerald flew over to the tallest of the group. “Prima Luisa.”
It hopped off her head and down to Félix’s outstretched hand. “Papi Félix y mami Pepa.” It replied as the man kept the bird from jumping on his wife. She didn’t have a problem with watching animals, it was when they were on her it became a problem. Next, the bird was placed on Agustín. This time Emerald succeeded in stealing the glasses as it chirped. “Tío Agustín torpe!” Antonio giggled before instructing the bird to return the item. “Now what do you say?” The youngest scolded. “Lo siento.” The parrot nuzzled under Agustín’s chin.
Now the bird flapped over to the matriarch’s lap. “Abuela Alma!” It sang and received a scratch behind his head. It trotted over to the next person and rustled through the pockets of herbs. “Hey get out of there.” The woman chuckled. “Tía Julieta cocinar!” Lastly Emerald flew up to land on the seer’s head. “Emerald, Emerald, Emerald!” It chanted its own name. “No Emerald, that’s you.” Antonio corrected, “who are you sitting on?” The bird bent over to look at the man upside down. “Rata papá, rata papá!” Bruno chuckled at the title, “I suppose he’s not wrong.”
Antonio collected the parrot and gave it puppy-dog eyes. “Come on Emerald, I know you can do it, who are they?” The bird hopped back and nipped at the green fabric. “Tío Bruno!” It finally chirped. “Si, well done!” The child praised. The parrot flapped its wings and then moved to the prophet’s right shoulder, “Jorge” it called. Emerald circled the man then snagged his hood and pulled it over his head. “Hernando” it declared as it hovered above. Finally, the bird let the fabric drop and began to nip at the seer’s hair “Diego.”
“Impressive,” Bruno remarked as Antonio held out a treat for the bird to eat as a reward. “You’ve been teaching them a lot.” Dolores complimented, “well done.” Antonio smiled, “gracias, I thought everyone would like a show after working so hard.” “It was a lovely show,” Abuela stated as she pat the child’s head. “It was awesome! I didn’t know birds could talk.” Camilo gave his brother a big hug. “Uh-uh, they can do a lot of cool stuff!” With a final whistle, Antonio dismissed the flock and watched as they returned to their homes in the jungle.