A cry for help
I was out for a run when I heard it: A high-pitched, piercing call for help. I instinctively turned my head in the direction of the sound. Then I heard it again. "Help!"
My heart began racing. I sprinted across the street and over a small bush to the gate of a house from which the distress call came. “Are you OK?" I yelled through the gate. “Help!” another call came.
I peered into the courtyard. Then I saw it: An exotic bird, perhaps a parrot, pecking at a plantain. “Help!