【明報專訊】Balloon Boy is special because he was born inside a balloon. He can float in the air and fly over buildings. As he grows up, he finds his balloon causes him trouble. It makes it hard for him to move on the ground. His headmaster is considering transferring him to another school.
Meanwhile, he meets a bird, which is supposed to be his enemy. His mother has told him any bird may cause his balloon to burst by pecking (啄) it so he should avoid them. But Shelley now stands in front of him and tries to be friends with him.
Shelley﹕Who are you? What do you do with this flimsy layer? Can you fly?
Balloon Boy﹕Stop pointing your beak (鳥嘴) or claws (爪) at me! I am Balloon Boy. Yes, I can fly. I have got to go now, and we won't meet again.
Shelley﹕I didn't mean to hurt you. You look gloomy (憂鬱的). Perhaps I can help you.
Balloon Boy reluctantly tells her about his trouble. He needs a new place. Perhaps he can no longer live as human beings do.
Shelley﹕Live as birds do then.
Balloon Boy﹕But you don't have to earn any money to support yourself!
Shelley﹕Come on. Follow me.
Balloon Boy follows Shelley over the forests, the oceans, the fields and the mountains. They eventually arrive in a very strange city of birds. Although some birds fly, many of them walk on their claws. Some even use walking sticks.
Balloon Boy﹕What? You guys live as humans do?
Shelley﹕Well, we no longer have enough space to live and fly in, our population has grown so much. We therefore have to explore space on the ground. But you can still fly here. We have all the constructions that facilitate (幫助) flying.
As Shelley and Balloon Boy fly over the city, an announcement draws their attention.
"Attention! Lunch time!"
All the birds suddenly head in one direction. Shelley tells Balloon Boy the government has centralised resources and is now the chief food provider. Citizens have to queue for food according to the government's schedule.
Shelley﹕You may have nuts if you don't like worms.
Balloon Boy and a Bird(2 of 4)
Text: Ashley Ley
Illustration: Iris Tsoi
