Silver Watch

My talons dug firm into the oxidized zinc rim as night settled. *Click.* Beside my claw, the tinfoil-wrapped snail shell rested silent in the dark gutter silt. A sudden icy draft swept up from the eaves, trying to pry the metallic casing loose from the trough. I didn't back down. Stepping squarely over the package, I flared both leathery wings wide until they spanned the gutter walls, shielding the shining bundle from the wind. *Snap.* I clicked my beak once into the cold sky. The silver armor held fast beneath my vigil.