Goodnight, my Tommy.

Before I left for Manila, I said my goodbye to the two household budgies, Tommy Boy and J-Lo, because I'd be away for quite sometime.

I particulary paid lavish attention to Tommy because he's the one who's playful and responsive. And because a few days before, I noticed that he was getting slower and was sleeping a lot, which he didn't do before. Also, he had an inflamed tail end.

I got to Manila on Friday evening, and on Saturday, I found out that Tommy Boy had passed away on Friday (Canada time). What? I blurted out.

It's as though Tommy wanted my departure from Toronto to be a pleasant one so he waited until I left before he let go himself.

Yes, Tommy was found on the cage floor on Thursday afternoon, still alive but very weak, and by Friday afternoon, he had died.

Tommy Boy had been my favorite one, after the very first canary, Lucky, passed away.

Tommy Boy, my dancing, showbiz-type budgie will be missed greatly.

Bye, Tom Tom. Wherever you are, I know you'd be happy.

I must bid you adieu now and attend to human concerns, both tragic and happy.