Why does the caged bird sing? In this case, why does this green owl hurt me so? Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to learn French. Iâm studying abroad in Paris and wanted to adequately prepare for the sneers of disgust Iâd inevitably receive from Parisians if I didnât know how to say âje suis un baguetteâ. Friends suggested I use Duolingo for the process. The interface was âfriendlyâ. The mascot, a verdant owl named âDuoâ was kind. Like Paul Sheldon in Misery, I was fooled. Little did I know the trauma that would ensue by Duo. Even Norman Batesâ evil ways were more transparent than the bird — or should I say, the Oiseaux.Â
The Instances of Abuse in Our Relationship:
#1: Duo emotionally manipulates me. When I donât immediately bend to his will and command, he gives me the silent treatment, the cold shoulder forcing emotional frostbite unto me. I never give enough for him. He constantly cravesâŠ..more (human flesh? Words? Both).Â
#2: I am constantly threatened with messages decrying my inactivity. No matter the number of cameras and security devices I install in my home, Iâm never safe. I hear something rustling outside my window as we speak.Â
#4: He manipulates my devotion and love for him into a cruel game, awarding me âpointsâ if I let my Stockholm Syndrome take hold of me and participate in his linguistic obstacle courses of torture.Â
