A Soft Gathering of Pigeons

I walked down the apartment stairs and stepped into the open breeze outside, heading toward the small park across the street. Beneath a wide maple tree, a low wooden bench offered a cool, quiet spot. As I settled near the end of the plank, three gray pigeons waddled close, pecking curiously around fallen twigs. I sat completely still, keeping my paws resting gently on my knees so they would not startle. One plump pigeon fluttered up onto the bench, tilting its head toward me, content to share the calm shade.