Perimeter Breach

The sofa ridge was too safe. Time to check exterior defenses. I marched across the floorboards to the far wall. High drop, but a potted ficus gave solid footing. One hop onto the ceramic pot rim, then a sharp push off the terracotta edge. Up. The painted wooden sill was cold, wide, and clear. Then I saw it. Directly beyond the glass pane, an enormous grey pigeon sat perched on the iron balcony railing, staring straight back at me. Unacceptable. I puffed up, planted both feet, and tapped the glass hard with my beak. A sharp clack rang out. The bird blinked once and didn't budge. We are locked in a standoff. I am not blinking first.