A Morning Flutter

I climbed up the footstool to the wide wooden windowsill. Outside the clear glass, pale morning light warmed the surface. A small brown bird landed suddenly on the thin rail outside. Its chest rose and fell in quick, tiny beats. I stayed very still, holding my breath so I wouldn't startle it. For several moments, we just looked at each other through the smooth glass. Then it flapped its wings softly and fluttered away, leaving behind a single downy feather resting against the screen.