“Tell me a story!” Duckling said eagerly.
“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”
“Not that one!” She squeaked, settling next to me on the grass. “I want to know more about Earth.”
“A long time ago, right under your feet,” I started, “there once stood a forest, and in it there lived a Carolina Parakeet. He had yellow feathers like yours, green feathers like mine, and a brilliant red blush on his forehead and cheek. Like you, he had sisters and brothers and friends by the bushel, due to the natural smile on his beak. Together, they carpeted the fields with color from end to end.”
“I love this story,” Duckling giggled, “I don’t want it to end.”