Once upon a time, on a particularly rainy day, there was a man, a particularly odd man. That man’s name was Julius Sneezer, a burnt-yellow taxi and a parrot. Two very odd items, but when paired with a specifically odd man you get something special. A perfect mix of car, bird, and man. Truly a dynamic trio like no other. 

Julius was driving his car through the chaotic bustling rush-hour traffic of New York City. He was well used to this stand-still traffic, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of monotony. Jim the parrot sat perched atop his shoulder and was gently pecking at his head. Bored, Julius rested his head against the palm of his hand. He sighed, “I just want to go home”. 

Jim squawked in agreement, “hOMe, i WaNt tO Go hoMe” Julius felt his eyelids grow heavy with exhaustion. He was beginning to feel lethargic. He took a sip from his plastic water bottle to help wake himself up. Traffic began moving again, and soon he was out of the middle of the city. We’re almost home he thought to himself. He wasn’t quite sure why he felt as tired as he did. He couldn’t wait to go to sleep. He dreamt of his bed and his house as he began to fade. He was startled awake by a loud thump followed by a shrill shriek. Oh no! He thought as he feared the worst. He got out of the car and his fears were realized. He struck a poor old woman. She was sprawled across the road. He felt a sudden rush of sadness and regret, but he quickly jumped back in his car and sped off.

Later that night after the shock of the moment had subsided Julius was thinking himself. He felt terrible, that poor old woman. He never should have driven off. He didn’t even know what her name was. How could he do that?