【明報專訊】Balloon Boy follows Shelley, his bird friend, to the bird city, where birds learn to live as humans do. The government centralises resources and feed its citizens daily. None lives in fear of starving. Balloon Boy is dubious (半信半疑的) about the practice.
When they are in front of the counter where food is served, an official stops Balloon Boy.
Official﹕What are you? Where are you from?
Shelley﹕He is my friend. He wants to live in this city. He can fly.
Official﹕A thing that can fly may not be a bird. You have to get registered. Follow me.
Balloon Boy follows the official to an underground room. Shelley waits outside, frightened and crying. Balloon Boy feels he is detained (扣留). He wonders what they will do to him.
Balloon Boy's arrival has caused a stir. The president feels compelled to decide what to do with him.
President﹕I can't believe there is a balloon boy in the world! The prophecy (預言) is true.
Dove﹕What should we do now?
Hawk﹕Let the prophecy be fulfilled. The ecstasy (狂喜) of emancipation (解放)!
Dove﹕Wait. I think we should ask him if he wants to live as a human being. Perhaps he loves flying.
Hawk﹕Don't you believe only a bird can save him from the pain of continuous flight simply by pecking a hole in his balloon with its beak? Don't you believe the ancient prophecy?
President﹕We should hold a council.
Hawk﹕No. We need not do that.
Dove﹕Why don't we wait?
Hawk﹕That's the dream of our race! We must realise it by all means!
At night, Balloon Boy talks to the guard. He learns that the city has been waiting for him. An ancient prophecy says a boy inside a balloon will come to ask them to help free him from it and they must help him. But Balloon Boy does not want to get out of his balloon!
The door is locked, so Balloon Boy can't escape. When he is lamenting (哀悼) his fate, he hears chirps (啁啾聲) from outside. They come from Shelley!
She has brought a friend along whose beak is sharp, thin and long. He puts it into the lock and twists and turns it several times. The door opens.
Shelley﹕I shouldn't have taken you here. I never believe the prophecy, but the government does! You must leave now.
They fly away from the city into the darkness of midnight. However, government troops are already after them!
Balloon Boy and a Bird (3 of 4)
Text: Ashley Ley
Illustration: Iris Tsoi
