A Visitor Beyond the Glass

Using the grooved wooden rim of the drawer as a stepping ledge, I lifted myself back onto the desk and walked toward the bright edge of the windowsill. Just beyond the clear pane, a small round sparrow landed with a light flutter of feathers. Afraid that any sudden movement might frighten it away, I gathered the flowing hem of my cape close to my side and knelt down on the painted wood. The bird tilted its head, peering curiously through the glass with dark, bead-like eyes before pecking gently at a dried seed on the outer sill. We shared a quiet, still minute together before it took flight.