Writing inspired by 24-Hour Writing Challenge in October 2024

Use these three prompts to inspire a story or a poem (all three must be included):

– A birdcage (object)

– “If it’s true, then you have to prove it.” (line of dialogue)

– A theatre (setting)

Deirdre’s Secret Ally

by Michaela Fricek

“How will I ever learn the role of Hatshepsut? Impossible!” Deirdre groaned as she flopped herself dramatically onto her sofa. For some days, her stomach had been in knots, accompanied by sleepless nights. Despite loving her job as an actress at the Abbey Theatre, she was seriously contemplating quitting.

“What was the playwright thinking, when he wrote this drama?” The first premiere was just a week away and Deirdre had not even memorised half the script. She feared it more than a lion on the loose.

“Deirdre, this cannot go on,” said the director, his voice in a mixture of sternness and desperation. “I am extremely worried. You could ruin the entire show. Think about what you are going to do.”

With slumped shoulders, Deirdre dragged herself home, seeking solace in a candlelit bath. She dreamed of winning the lottery and moving to the Caribbean, where learning scripts would be someone else`s problem. However, looking at her wrinkly toes, brought her back to reality.

The next day, things got worse. Not only that Deirde had forgotten most of the script, but at one point, her voice completely gave out. The director’s gaze from the auditorium felt like daggers. Panic climbed up her spine like red lava, building up pressure until it finally erupted from her throat, with a high-pitched “HUIIIWIIHOOOOOO”, that sounded like a weird bird call.

Confused and flustered, Deirdre rushed out of the theatre and somehow found herself in a nearby pet shop. “Buy me! Turn around, I am nearby,” a raspy voice called out.

“Am I hearing voices now? Have I completely lost it?” she muttered to herself, looking around. The shop was completely empty except for the cashier, who was counting money at the counter.

“Excuse me,” Deirdre began nervously,” did you speak to me?”

“No, but I bet it was Charlie,” the cashier said, nodding towards a large parrot in a cage. “He is quite the character and he has been desperate for someone to take him home. He feels so lonely here. Maybe he is exactly what you need.”

The cashier led Deirdre to a bird cage. Inside there was a huge parrot with an orange and yellow beak, red orange and bluish and green feathers. The parrot tilted its head, fixing Deirdre with a mischievous look. “Pretty lady, I can help you. Buy me I and I will solve your problems.”

Deirde raised an eyebrow. “A parrot that solves problems? If it is true, then you have to prove it.”

“I cannot prove anything, if you do not buy me,” squawked Charlie indignantly. “But I promise, you will not regret it.”

Against her better judgment – but with a growing sense of curiosity – Deirdre found herself buying the parrot. She was not sure, if it was Charlie’s colourful feathers or his confident attitude, but something about him felt right. Half an hour later, Charlie’s cage sat proudly in the middle of her living room.

“Now that I am yours,” Charlie said, puffing out his chest, “I can reveal my secret. I can read minds! I know you are stressed about this Hatshepsut role. Don’t worry, we will learn the script together. I have an excellent memory.”

“Thank heavens!” Deirdre sighed; her shoulders finally relaxing. Exhausted, she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, a cheerful voice woke her. “The early bird catches the worm!” It was Charlie, already wide awake and eager to start. They spent the day rehearsing together and on the next day, Deirdre astonished everyone.

“Wow, Deirdre! This is a complete transformation!” the director exclaimed. “What happened? How did you turn this around?”
Deirdre grinned. “Let us just say, I had a little help from an unexpected friend.”

On her way home, Deirdre shed tears of joy. She could not wait to see Charlie.

“It is incredible, you’ve already helped me so much,” she said gratefully.

“As Rumi once said, ‘Be with those who support your soul.’ But we are not done yet. I want to bring out your very best, your inner gold. Starting tomorrow, I will be at the rehearsals with you,” he insisted warmly.

As rehearsals continued, Deirdre decided to bring Charlie to the theatre. “Oh, you’ve brought your parrot with you?” the director asked, half-amused, half-incredulous.

“Yes,” Deirdre replied confidently. “He is my personal prompter.”

“A parrot as a prompter? Where on earth has that ever been done?” the director chuckled, shaking his head.

“Be innovative!” Charlie squawked. “Give me a chance!”

Within three days, the director was as impressed with Charlie as Deirdre was. The parrot was brilliant, squawking out lines when needed, and the premiere was a smashing success. Deirdre’s performance earned standing ovations, and the critics raved about the production.

“Bravo, Deirdre! That was your best performance yet!” asked a renowned reporter, still in awe. “What is your secret?”

Deirdre led him to the place where her prompter was and smiled happily. “Let’s just say not all great actors have feathers.”