“Carpenter,” murmured the lady, “that’s Woodlarks.” Walking up to the rows of birds, she retrieved the Woodlark and held it in front of Adler. “Say hello,” she said. Adler did so but the bird didn’t reply. Evidently confused, the lady stood up and placed the Woodlark back in the row of birds. “This is odd,” she said, “perhaps the Woodlark is being a bit stubborn today. You sit down first Adler. We’ll come back to you.”

 

So Adler returned to his seat and to waiting. Slowly, the rest of the children went up and left until Adler and his family were the only ones left in the room. Gathering Adler’s family, the lady sat Adler before the birds once more.

 

“Hello!” Adler almost screamed but silence was again his answer. The lady groaned before turning to Adler’s mother.

​

“My apologies Mrs Stone,” she said, “Could you help me ask the Woodlark if he had heard Adler?”

 

Adler’s mother turned to the Woodlark and it chirped its response. Adler couldn’t understand what it said but the colour drained from his mother’s face.

 

“He can’t understand him,” she finally said, “Adler can’t speak to Woodlarks.”

 

“An exception,” replied the lady, “how rare. Alright Bianca,” she continued, turning to her assistant, “you know what to do.”