Today, while you were wasting your afternoon tweeting or trying to pretend you were engaged on a conference call, I was off saving a life. Let me set the scene for you...
I was at Pret-A-Manger, catching up with my friend Lynne over a cup of soup, when we were suddenly distracted by a little bird flying around inside the restaurant. To take advantage of the warmer temperatures, someone had propped the door open, and apparently a little sparrow had found its way into the building.
What probably stemmed from a place of curiosity (what IS that place?) or greed (holy shit - look at all that BREAD!) had obviously morphed into sheer panic. The bird kept zooming toward the windows, trying desperately to get out - only to crash into the glass and fall, stunned, to the floor.
As soon as we realized what was happening, I tried to help it. Apparently, however, it didn't WANT help, because it zoomed away as I approached it. It took another shot at leaving - by way of the corner windows, right above a couple eating lunch. It tumbled to the ground.
I don't know if the woman half of the couple had seen Hitchcock's "Birds" one too many times, or if she was worried about getting crapped on, but she slid out of her chair with a haste I previously associated only with grease fires. Her date remained seated, cautiously pulling all their food across the table until it was safely protected by his arms.
Without asking, I took my entry and slid over her seat, finding the little bird sitting dazed on the floor under the table. Before it could get its bearings, I scooped it up, gently closing my hands around it. It began nipping at my hand as I carried it outside. I don't speak "bird" but I'm pretty sure it was saying, "THANK YOU for getting me away from that crazy broad."
Within seconds, I had it tucked in a flower planter outside, where it could calm down and catch its little birdie breath before flying away. As I rejoined Lynne, she quipped, "Hmm... I hadn't realized Pret was expanding their menu."
Had Alan been there, he would've agreed - he always says he'll eat anything he can catch. I guess if that idea took off, they might want to change their name. Prêt-Attraper DOES have a certain ring to it.
So in summary: Unless you saved an animal this afternoon, you need to try a little harder.
Hmmm... perhaps I've just stumbled upon a new career path? Clearly there's a need.
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