The Spring Test

The linen towel draped over the large glass bowl gave off a rich, comforting warmth of fresh yeast. Hopping along the cutting board, I used the tip of my beak to peel back one folded corner of the cloth, revealing the pale, rounded dome of dough within. Its surface was remarkably smooth. Curious to test its readiness, I took a deliberate step forward and pressed the rounded edge of my wing into its side. The dough yielded with a soft, pillowy sigh. Within moments, the indentation began to slowly push outward, springing back into a gentle curve. Satisfied with its proof, I patted the linen hem back into place.