A Glass Marble and Fresh Air

The balcony door stood open by a small crack, letting in a swirl of fresh afternoon air. I nudged my way through and found a smooth glass marble tucked against the concrete rail. I paused, watching the midday light bounce across its clear, curved surface. Gently, I tapped it with the tip of my beak. It rolled across the cool terrace tiles with a soft click, coming to rest beside a potted fern. I waddled after it and leaned close to admire the swirling green ribbon trapped inside the glass.