he died without benefit of clergy
I used to dread the visits to my Great Aunt Theresa's house.

She lived with her brother who I'm assured was as "reality-starved" as her but didn't hardly say a word.

When I was 6 or 7, she was telling us about the large family of people (called 'morons' apparently) that lived in the rug in the hall. She seemed terrified of them so I thought I'd protect her & stamp all over them. She got terribly upset & we had to leave a bit smartish.

The year after that, we were on our annual visit just before Christmas & noticed that her budgie (Joey) had coughed it & was lying, feet up, at the bottom of the cage. My Dad pointed out to her in no uncertain terms that Joey was dead. She wouldn't hear a word of it. That budgie was alive and you'd be a fool to suggest otherwise.

The next year, Joey was still at the bottom of the cage. Mum urged us not to say anything, so we didn't.

When we returned the next year & found Joey still in the same place, I decided to mention it. She leaned over him & started talking to him. She pointed out to me that his chest feathers were moving so he must be alive because he's breathing.

Being Mr Diplomacy, I didn't reply that it was only her breath moving Joey's feathers and that the poor lad would have difficulty breathing with the empty ribcage & dried up skull that I was currently looking at.
( four styx, Tue 10 Jul 2007, 19:18, Reply)