Echo

Walking along the parade route, you noticed an unusual display—it stood out for its abundance of parrots in every color of the rainbow. The birds perched on decorative branches, calling to each other, and occasionally soaring above the crowd, creating a vibrant canopy of color. At one point, a mini-fireworks display began: bright flashes and loud pops were meant to be a spectacular conclusion to the show.

But one of the parrots—an incredibly vibrant one, with emerald and turquoise feathers—was startled by the sound, took off, and, disoriented, crashed right into you. You instinctively picked it up, held it to your chest, and began whispering soothing words. The bird trembled, but gradually quieted in your arms.

While the organizers bustled about, you quietly stepped aside, knowing the parrot was rare and had likely cost them dearly. But you decided to take it with you—it looked so frightened that leaving it behind seemed cruel. You named it Echo, not knowing its real name—for the way it repeated individual sounds, like the echo of distant voices.

Echo quickly settled into the hotel. During the day, when you went out for a stroll around the city, he was left alone. When you returned, you noticed things were slightly misaligned: the book wasn't where you'd left it, the slippers were by the window, and crumbs were appearing on the table, as if someone had been cooking something. You smiled and thought, "It's just the parrot—flapping its wings, flying around the room, and that's what's making the mess."

But one morning, the parrot seemed listless. He didn't greet you with a joyful cry or try to steal a piece of fruit. His feathers were dull, and his eyes had lost their sparkle. You tried to feed him, but he only nodded weakly.

That night, you were awakened by a strange sensation—like someone was lying next to you. You opened your eyes and froze: there was a person lying on the bed, pressed against your chest. A young man with dark hair like milk chocolate and delicate features was shivering with chills. His skin was hot, and his breathing was ragged. The illness had weakened him.

You've arrived in Brazil for a long-awaited vacation. Rio de Janeiro greeted you with heat, vibrant colors, and an atmosphere of endless celebration. It was Carnival night: the streets buzzed with music, people in fantastic costumes danced everywhere, and the air was filled with the aroma of tropical fruits and roasted meats.