In this scene from "The Red Pyramid," the narrator, a young boy, humorously describes his unconventional appearance while carrying a sister and an unusual bird. As he approaches an elevator, he encounters a businessman who seems taken aback by the sight. The boy's ragged Egyptian outfit and the bizarre combination of a box and an exotic bird create a striking image that surprises the man.

Trying to engage with the businessman, the boy casually greets him, but the startled man quickly decides to take the stairs instead. This interaction highlights the contrast between the boy's adventurous, magical life and the ordinary world around him.