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right cheek and made a loud popping sound with it.
    â€œGood. Your dinner is on the dining table,” she said smiling, and moved away.

CHAPTER 4
A New Day



As our friend the morning walked briskly into brightness, and a cockerel sounded, I woke up with a start. I let out a yawn that took some time to mix with the air, and then my mind began to work. There was so much to achieve this morning. And I must get everything done before my father arrived. My holiday was over and I must return to school. Without wasting time, I got to my feet and began to prepare for my leave. My shirt was dampened with sweat. Since the shirt was the least of my worries, I did not bother about changing it. I took my pair of boots from underneath the bed and put them on.
    Then I moved to a corner in my room and grabbed my cage. I was glad to see that the little bird was still alive. As I stared at the poor creature, thoughts flooded my mind. I thought about sneaking away to the forest so I might have a final forest adventure before my father came to collect me and that when I got there, all I would need to do was to find a comfortable place under the shade of a tree, roast the bird and eat it. On the other hand, the thought of killing the bird troubled my mind. When I remembered what my grandmother had said, the thought of killing the poor creature died within me. I grabbed the cage and brought out the bird. Before the creature could blink, I raced out of the house and faced the field as if my own survival depended upon it.
    After covering a good distance, I found myself in the forest. The boughs of the trees danced and bowed to the sweet movement of the morning breeze. Spiders hung on the beautiful bushes, their fine webs waiting for fortune to smile on their bravery. Also, birds dropped from the trees to snatch a bit of breakfast from the restaurant of the earth. I was breathing heavily when I stopped running. It was time to let the little creature go. As I heard beautiful tunes from the birds from all corners of the forest, like musicians thrilling their guests at a banquet, I was moved and let the poor soul find its way back into the forest. I moved next to an almond tree and placed the bird on one of the branches. The creature looked at me as it adjusted, and a warm smile paraded across my face. I turned and moved away. I had gone some distance before I glanced behind me, and I was glad to see that the bird had joined its friends.
    By the time I got home, my grandmother was already at the gate. A frown hung on her neck like an Olympic medal. As I drew near, she posed a question: “Where have you been, Otok?” Her voice sounded like thunder.
    â€œTHE BIRD!” I responded with a quivering voice.
    She lowered her spectacles and snarled. “What bird at this time of the day?”
    â€œI took the little bird back to the forest.”
    She crossed her arms over her body. “But it is too early.”
    â€œIf I had not gone early, I would not have had time to release the bird before my father arrives.”
    She pondered my words and smiled as if she’d never had a bad day. “You might be right. But always let someone know where you are going before you leave the house.” After dishing out her advice, she fixed her large innocent eyes on me and a warm smile spread over her face. “Your breakfast is ready,” she declared.
    I threw my weight on one leg and replied, “Thank you, Grandma. But what about the roasted goat you promised me?”
    She raised an eyebrow and responded, “My servants are up to their responsibilities. Come, let us have a party!”
    Rivers of joy flowed through my soul. Quietly, I followed her into the compound. She was true to her words. By the time we got to the dining table, the atmosphere was like a party. As expected, there were a few slices of bread, lemon tea and the roasted goat!
    I ate quietly, for anything short of that would have displeased my grandmother.