A Speckled Feather

I followed a soft, swirling flutter down two concrete steps toward the stairwell landing. Caught against the rough metal base of the window guard, a tiny speckled pigeon feather was quivering in the faint outdoor draft. I dropped low, balancing on my hind limbs with my long tail held rigid and still. Creeping forward on silent claws, I stalked it as if it were a timid creature ready to bolt. When I reached out and gently nudged the delicate shaft with the tip of my snout, it didn't flee... it just drifted an inch across the gritty gray step, resting softly against my front foot. Standing there in the cool quiet, having a little piece of the open sky right beside me felt comforting.