It rippled the bird’s feathers, and parted Nathan’s hair. People hurried in and out of the building, mostly out. It was getting late, and the sky was starting to darken. Soon, Nathan knew, the library would close, and things would quiet down. Already, the steps looked inviting again. He was tired of pacing, and the wind was making it all the harder. “Come on,” he said to the bird. He nodded his head toward the library steps. “Let’s take a break.” The bird sailed across the library lawn at Nathan’s knee height, then perched on the steps, waiting for Nathan to catch up. They sat together, and waited, a task at which Nathan was becoming very good. “There you are,” the parka-clad kid called as he raced along the path. “Thought I’d fucked it up. I totally forgot about you today.” Nathan shrugged. It wasn’t the first time. He was surprised, though, that the kid was speaking to him. Why today of all days? And had they meant to meet? He couldn’t remember. If they had arranged a meeting, it was news to him.
