A repair engineer called Frank goes to a house to repair a dishwasher. “I have a bulldog called Spike,” the owner explains. “And a parrot. Spike sleeps all day. I wish the parrot did, too.”
Frank laughs. “Why?”
“Because – ” says the woman. “He’s -”
She stops and looks at her watch. “Sorry I haven’t time to explain. I’m late for work. But just ignore him. And please don’t speak to him!”
The woman picks up her keys and rushes out of the house. Frank goes into the kitchen to repair the dishwash.
Spike, the bulldog is lying quietly on the carpet. He opens one eye but then goes back to sleep.
The parrot, though, is very awake.
Annoying
“What’s your name?” squawks the parrot
“Frank,” says Frank.
“You’re very ugly, Frank!” squawks the parrot. “And very stupid!”
Frank is about to say “I am not stupid!” Then remembers the note. He says nothing.
“Very stupid,” repeats the parrot, over and over again. “And very ugly. Why are you so ugly, Frank?”
Frank tries to ignore the parrot. He continues with his work.
Stupid
All morning the parrot insults Frank. “That’s terrible shirt! And those shoes!”
Eventually Frank loses his temper. “Shut up you stupid bird!!” he says.
“Spike!” cries the parrot. The big dog opens his eyes. He shows his teeth. “This man is calling you terrible names.”
Quick Check: True or false?
- Liz is the name of the parrot.
- Liz leaves a warning about her bulldog?
- The parrot calls Frank ugly.
- Frank calls the parrot ugly.
- The parrot wakes the bulldog