Pavement Standoff

A sudden rush of displaced air swept down the alley, followed by the heavy slap of feathers striking pavement. A gray pigeon touched down five paces ahead, towering over the asphalt like a giant. I dropped instantly into a low crouch, tucking my chin behind raised red gloves, and went dead still. The bird tilted its head, an amber bead of an eye sweeping the ground, oblivious to my guard. It pecked twice at a stray crust wedged in an asphalt fissure, its iridescent neck gleaming in the midday light. I held my balance without flinching until three heavy wingbeats lifted it back toward the fire escape above.