It was almost a year to the day that the Barry Bodkin Bird Sanctuary held its grand opening in Buttercup Bend. Balloons adorned the gazebo-like aviary that featured large windows and perches for the birds. A yellow ribbon was strung across the door.
Sam and her stepbrother stood at the entrance flanked by Cathy, Doug, and the three members of the Talking Parrot Club. Barry Jr. had been temporarily released from the upstate jail where he was serving a reduced sentence for his crime. He’d been granted a weekend home to attend the event. His mother hadn’t been allowed the same permission to return to Buttercup Bend. She was serving a lifetime sentence for her husband’s murder.
Cathy noticed the change in Barry and how he’d matured since his conviction. He stood taller and exhibited better m
