Kari's parakeet

The holidays were Kari's favorite time of the year. Her family would spend it almost every year at her grandparents house at the countryside.

The long drive was something she always enjoyed. Except when her younger brother would vomit because of his motion sickness, but regardless it was still something she enjoyed.

Kari was never a people person, she was fond of books and indoor stuff and the type of person who enjoys being alone.

She has friends. Very few friends she calls and sends holiday cards every year but other than that, she is quiet and composed.

"Kari, please I told you stop reading in the car. It hurts your eyes." Kari's mom, softly scolded Kari who muttered a faint apology and closed her book not forgetting to put her customized bookmark.

His dad on the steering wheel checked on both his kids on the rear view mirror and smiled.

"You excited to see the folks this year?" He said with a rather cheery voice.

Carl grimanced.

"We come here every year, why cant granny and grandpop's go to ours for a change?" He sulked. He missed his video games back at the city and being in his grandparemts home, internet was not available or at least the phone service was bad.

"Every year we go there and every year you complain. You only take back what you said in the car when you recieve your Christmas presents." His father chuckled earning a small smile from here mother agreeing with his statement.

"Come on Carl, the countryside is beautiful and they are looking forward in seeing you guys." His mother softly said and smiled.

It was true though. Their grandparents gave the coolest christmas gifts every year. Last year, Carl recieved a bright red bike on which he used to go to school everyday while Kari recieved a wooden music box which she listens to before falling asleep at night. In all honesty she was looking forward to recieving her presents from her grandparents this year.

The scenery of buildings and traffic soon turned to trees and vast fields. And after a six-hour drive, they reached the town where their grandparents lived.

His father parked the car and was instantly greeted by their grandparents who seemed to be waiting at the front porch.

"Happy Christmas eve everyone!" their Grandma happily engulfed the two children which kisses and hugs.

"My you have grown! You will love what we have for you this year, but before that let's head inside for some hot coco and cookies shall we? You must be tired from your travel." She dragged both children after greeting their parents and with Grandpa helping them take the luggage from the car inside.

The inside of the house was homey and warm in contrast to the cold weather outside.

Kari took a seat to the couch near shelves of books while Carl slouched.

Their grandma served them the drinks along with chirpy stories.

The afternoon passed by in a blur. After their traditional christmas dinner which by the way was extravagant. Kari and her family retired to bed.

A few hours of sleep and she hears Carl jumping her bed yelling at her because its was time for the presents.

She groggily opened her eyes and stood up.

Her patents and grandparents were already at the living room where the presents were lined up.

"Goodmorning Kari and Merry Christmas." Her grandma welcomed her with kisses.

Carl already opened his large present. Which was a new skateboard and safety gears with it. Carl squealed with delight.

Kari wondered where her present might be. Grandpa enetered with a large bird cage hanging with a small parakeet inside.

"Merry christmas Kari." He smiled amd handed her the bird cage with the parakeet inside. Carl exclaimed.

"What? Why does she have a pet for a present?"

"Because, Kari seemed responsible enough to have her first pet." Kari was dumbfounded. She may like animals but she never know how to take care of one, let alone a parakeet.

She didn't dislike the gift, but she wasn't fond of it either. After a moment of silence, she didn't want to seem rude, she mustered the most cheerful and thankful smile she has and thanked them.

Gift giving was over and they were outside playing while Kari sat in her room looking at the bird inside.

"First things first, you need a name. I think I'll name you William because my favorite author is William Shakesphere. I guess your hungry now? What do you eat? Are you even a boy?" Kari asked the bird while it just cocked its head to the side and chriped loudly.

" I don't know how to take care of a bird. I thought a first good pet would be a puppy or kitten. But I guess I could make it work. You seem cute anyway. " She smiled while trying to reach the bird when it suddenly pecked her finger causing her to jerk it away from the cage.

" Rude. I was trying to be friendly. "She said while massaging her finger. The bird chirped all around the cage loudly.

" You're loud and noisy. "She commented and tried to ignore the bird.

" What am I going to do with you? Obviously, I cant take you out of the cage, and I dont know how to keep you quiet while I read my book. " She muttered. The bird stopped and looked at her.

" Okay, that's creepy."

A few hours of reading, the bird was still chirping much to her dislike.

" William, please be quiet! I can't concentrate! "She whisper-yelled to the bird.

She was almost irritated. But she can't just let the bird out, that would mean she destroyed her grandparent's present.

She sighed.

She headed to the small library in town and bought a book for taking care of birds. She was annoyed by why it would chirp and annoy her quiet time so maybe reading to it might help her and at the same time teach her how to take care of a bird. She honestly didn't like the bird. It was annoying and obnoxious.

A few days after recieving the bird, she warmed up to it and how it greets her every time she woke up. William was responsive and she was beginning to love and adore the bird. Never in her life would she deemed herself taking care of a bird, let alone suddenly owning one.

It was then time to head back home. The holidays were ending.

Kari took William's cage and placed it by her seat in the car.

She smiled and hugged her grandparents.

"I never thought I would learn how to take care of a parakeet. He seemed annoying at first but once I got to know him, he seems cool." Kari said which earned a small chuckle from her grandparents.

"Take care of him. He will be a friend who will always stay by your side even when the world is against you. Its hard to take care of animals, but once they warmed up to you they would stay and take care of you." His grandma said softly.

"Thank you guys." And with that, Kari's family drove back to the city.

Yup, the holidays were Kari's favorite time of the year. The end.