Chapter 17

From the floor, Jared looked back in the seats, where Shai’s family—seven nieces and nephews and Shai and his three sisters-in-law—sat transfixed, obviously amazed by the bright spectacle unfolding before them.

When Peachy the owl walked onto the stage, the audience cheered, and one of Shai’s nephews even stood and began to wave his arms in the air.

“How are all my good little girls and boys doing today?” asked Peachy, flapping his wings, then turning to wag the long tail feathers of his costume.

“We love you, Peachy!” cried the audience—the traditional catch phrase from the show.

“And I love you!” said Peachy, wobbling toward the nest of branches, followed by a small parade of child actors. “Now, let’s see. What do you think I’ll find in my nest today?” Peachy began rifling through the nest, tossing out an old boot, a hockey stick, and a beach ball. “Oh! What is this?” said Peachy, pulling up a red, velvet bag. “What’s inside? Who can tell me?”