A Clear Window

I reached up to touch the cool mist coating the lower pane of the patio glass door. Taking a quiet breath, I swept my flipper sleeve in a steady, careful circle across the cold surface. The condensation gathered into tiny, glistening beads along the edge, leaving a smooth, transparent opening right at eye level. Peering through the clear circle, I could see the damp brick path and two sparrows hopping busily under the leafy hedge. I held very still, resting my sleeve against the chill of the pane while watching them flutter through the quiet morning.