Chapter 3

"So Dr. Charles says he has PTSD. He wants me to hang out with him. He flew the other day, but he hasn't since. I've never seen anything like this before," Ethan admitted.

"It makes sense. Poor thing locked in his cage for God only knows how long. It's no wonder he's traumatized. Especially living like that and in those conditions," Heidi said.

"You sure you're an Orthopod? You sound like a Psychiatrist."

Heidi laughed. "It only makes sense, Ethan. Think about how humans are when they're locked in solitary or those on death row who are only allowed out for an hour a day. I'm sure he's trying to adjust, but he really doesn't know how."

"Did yours have trouble adjusting?" he asked as he nodded towards her scarlet macaw.

"Salty? No. But I bought him from a breeder and not a pet shop. And I went to visit him every day until I was allowed to bring him home. Plus, he was hand fed and worked with. Totally different situation than yours."

Ethan sighed. "I really don't know what to do with him. I hate caging him while I'm at work."

"But necessary. If you leave them uncaged during the day when you're not home, it's not good for them either. Be patient with him. It sounds like he's starting to come around. And you can always get him a buddy."

"One is enough right now."

"They're social birds so they like being with people."

"He seems to enjoy when Dr. Charles comes to visit."

"Then don't take that away from him. It sounds like everything is starting to work out for you two."

"Thanks," Ethan said.

He wanted to ask if parrot ownership was always going to be this difficult, but he didn't want to be negative.

Heidi got up from the table and walked over to the coffee pot. She brought it back to the table and filled their cups.

"So, what do you think of your bird having a play date with Salty?"

"You think it would work?"

"Doesn't hurt to try."

"I've heard of a study being done that they're placing animals with PTSD with participants diagnosed with PTSD. It's showing a lot of promising results."

He nodded. "Dr. Charles mentioned something about it."

"I volunteer at the VA clinic. I like to keep up on the research they are doing."

"You served?" he asked.

"Air Force Medical Corps. Nine years. Reserve duty now."

"Naval Reserves."

"My whole family is Air Force. To break tradition is akin to committing treason."

"Understood."

"Why orthopedics?"

"Emergency Medicine was full."

"That happens. Everyone wants to work in the ER."

"I've always been fascinated by bones though. Why do they break, how can they be made stronger, how can they be fixed? And how can cartilage and muscle be fixed once they're torn. Spent a lot of time in the lab working on that."

"So you're publishing?"

She nodded. "I just submitted it two months ago. I'm still in the holding pattern."

"It takes a while sometimes."

"So I've heard."

Heidi finished her coffee. "Would you like more?" she offered.

"No, thank you. I really should be getting home. Early shift tomorrow."

"I'm on call."

"Have fun with that."

"I will. I usually just go hang in the doctor's lounge."

He smiled. "While I'm out saving lives, you're hanging in the doc's lounge."

"Waiting for ER to send them to me."

She walked him to the door.

"Thank you for the wonderful evening. I'll call you soon and set up a play date for the birds."

"Looking forward to it."

He felt awkward. He wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want to be too forward, but he wanted to let her know he was sincere. He gave her a quick hug and a cheek kiss. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome."

"I'll see you soon."

He exited through her open door and made his way back to his apartment.