A Careful Lowering

My fingers... they felt stiff, pressed hard against my face. Was everything quiet? I paused, holding my breath, before daring to ease my hands down just an inch. The smooth floor beneath my feet felt solid and cool. Right beside me stood a small blue bird, perfectly still with folded arms. I reached out a trembling hand and lightly tapped its smooth wing. Nothing moved. It was steady, safe... so I kept my place close to it, exhaling softly.