The Story of Vivi and Me, by Ganggang Hu Guidice

Prose, chapbook, 24 pages, from Bottlecap Features.

Vivi was Ganggang's pet cockatiel. He helped Ganggang get through her loneliness after she moved to a new place. Vivi brought warmth and sunshine to Ganggang's life, and it became a habit for Ganggang to share every bit of joy with Vivi.

However, one day Vivi accidently flew away and never came back. Ganggang believed it was all her fault, and she couldn't forgive herself. After many years, until now, she still wakes up with tears after realizing Vivi just visited her dreams. Ganggang used to draw portraits of Vivi, but after Vivi was gone, she could never draw a lovely cockatiel like Vivi again.

If you have a pet that is part of your family and your life, you will understand the feeling.

Ganggang Hu Guidice is a writer, poet, artist, and IT professional. She was born and grew up in Beijing, China, and moved to Atlanta after receiving a MS in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania. Ganggang published two prose collections, “Boundary” and "Treasure", and has won several literary awards in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Ganggang’s artwork has been seen in exhibitions worldwide. Birds of all breeds are a strong theme in her art.