A Specimen Beyond the Glass

I noticed the morning sun warming the passenger window glass, so I climbed the armrest molding to inspect the outside seal. Resting right on the outer rubber weatherstrip was a tiny, dried insect wing, perfectly preserved with crisp amber veins. I pressed my hands flat against the clear barrier, leaning in until my glasses nearly touched the smooth surface. Measuring its geometry against the vertical window seam, the delicate radial lattice looked just like an ancient dragonfly fossil. Even separated by glass, it was a thrilling structural study.