The rain comes gently, the clatter of a million footsteps dancing across my roof. A lazy dance, unhurried. The birds roost in the spruce tree, ruffling their feathers. A cardinal squeaks, cocking his vermillion crest this way and that.

The afternoon lies drowsy and chilly on the hillside.

I watch the birds pecking in my sideyard, while everyone else tucks themselves in on their couches.

There’s something sweet about being the only witness to something so beautiful.

© 2023 Katie Baker