A Duck-Sized Nest

A clean pressed-cardboard egg carton was resting wide open across the kitchen table, its rows of empty hollows catching the morning sun. I paused, tilting my head to inspect the neat, rounded cups. They looked remarkably duck-shaped. Taking two cautious steps up to the rim, I lifted one foot and stepped right into the center pocket. With a gentle wiggle, my fluff squished down into the molded dip. It cupped my belly with snug, steady support, shielding my little toes from the draft. Resting my wings over the cardboard divider, I felt completely settled in my cozy new perch.