It's true. Honestly ..

'Am no signin' a card fur a daft budgie. If it wiz a person, well, that'd be different. But a budgie?! Nah ..'

I'd gone on the shop floor, as usual, all smiles and ready to go. Someone started sniggering, so obviously l wondered why, what was up.

'OMG (don't you just hate it when folk use abbreviated words, lazy buggers) Alison stood on her pet budgie! Isn't that just HILARIOUS?!'

Em. Well. No actually, Miss I'm-only-eighteen-and-have-a -perfect-life.

Maybe l should explain.

Alison is middle aged, lived with and then nursed her parents in the same house until they passed away. It was only a few years back, and she inherited their budgie, Joey (Noooooo way. That's like Spot the dog, or Polly the parrot)

She found it really hard to be on her own, and so the wee budgie was a reminder of the love they all shared, and she sat watching telly with Joey on her shoulder. When she walked through the door, she'd let him out of his cage, and he would hop about all around her. They were best pals.

Apparently, she was painting the bathroom wall, and when it was finished, she stepped back to admire her handywork, and stood on her faithful companion.

Crunch.

Deid.

So l had ran down to the stationary department and bought a 'Thinking of You' card from the bereavement section. Everyone signed it, because Ali is a well liked colleague. Everyone apart from young Chris.

On the one hand it was funny, but on the other, real sad for her.

I tried to explain that the pet was her family and imagine if he lost HIS mum or sister. It was the same inside as her wee Joey. But, he wouldn't budge. (Oopsie ..)

Oh well. I did try to cajole and reason with him, and l can see his point.

She was real touched when l handed it over from us all ..