Feathers and Fur
    
Gazing through my cage’s bars, I saw leaves hanging like emeralds on the tree outside. Underneath it sat the fat, fluffy cat, Jane. She always got to stroll in the backyard while I was stuck in this cage, looking at where I should be.
    
“I try to be friendly by singing,” I tweeted to myself, “but she only wants to lie in the sun. She’s so stuck up!”

Then I heard Clementine, my owner, come into the kitchen.
    
“No time to chat, Amber; I’m late,” she said. She opened the cage door to feed me; I knew this was my chance to escape!

Christopher entered, calling for Jane, who came running. Clementine looked at Jane.
    
“Isn’t she cute?” Christopher bragged.
    
“Yeah, well, Amber is . . . flying away!” Clementine yelled. “Close the door!”
    
Quickly, Christopher closed the door as I darted into the living room. Like a rocket, I flew over the ceiling fan.

Christopher ran after the cat, shouting, “Not the table!” But Jane leaped after me and knocked over their mom’s favorite vase. I skimmed the piano’s keyboard with that cat hot on my tailfeathers. Plink! Plink! Plink! Jane’s paws slipped and stumbled on the keys.
    
I sailed into the kitchen and saw sunlight! I soared toward freedom. Kerflump! I fell, knocked out. I had hit a sliding glass door.

I awoke to the smell of codfish and saw I was closed between yellow teeth. I could hear Clementine and Christopher yelling, “Bad kitty! Drop it!”
    
As I saw my life flying away, Jane jumped onto the counter and PUT ME IN MY CAGE! Shaking, I asked her why she didn’t eat me.
    

“I would never eat a friend,” she replied. “Plus, I knew you didn’t know about the hawk that lives in the tree outside.”
    
“Friend?” I chirped.
    
“Of course! I may be shy, but I love hearing your songs when I snooze.”
    
So, Jane was not the snob I though she was—she’s my friend. Furthermore, after this escapade, Clementine allows me outside on the porch. It’s almost as fun as sitting in a tree, but much safer!