A Transparent Haven

A warm shadow gently lifted our cardboard hiding place, and soft fingers ushered us one by one into a broad, clear glass jar on the counter. My knees shook, stammering little squeaks... but inside, it was surprisingly warm and dry. I hurriedly gathered a thick handful of paper ribbons that tumbled in with us, tucking them into a circular nest against the smooth, curved glass. The five tiny ones clambered over my bare toes and curled into the crinkly bedding, their dark eyes watching the evening shadows through the transparent wall. Perched in the center with my arms around two of them, I let out a trembling sigh—in here, no cold drafts can reach us.