brunch with george.

george kept his place between our feet for hours while we enjoyed coffee by the park. he never begged for food, but we dropped him nibbles of bread anyway. he had a small tuft of ruffled feathers that stuck out like he’d just been in a fight. maybe that’s how he got his bum wing.

a few times, he tottered across the street, just barely skimming the ground with his weak side. he would return shortly after and resume his place between us again, peaceful and quiet.

it was like he was listening in on our conversation. as if his being there was his way of acknowledgment. he seemed to like us enough to stick around- it felt like we were friends.

eventually, we had to say goodbye. told him i had a bus to catch. i think he understood. as we stood to gather our things, george gave us a little nod and then casually hopped across the street. we parted ways and i wondered if he’d be alright, fending for himself with that bum wing.

i miss that bird.