Joe and the Bird ("Micro-Story" # 1)

Every morning Joe would drink his coffee as he watched out of his window a small bird fluttering very near the window. If he could reach his outstretched arm just far enough, the bird would be close enough to touch. He never did that, of course. For whatever reason, he was just inclined to leave the bird alone to flutter about in front of his window.

He was absolutely sure it was the same bird every time. If you were to ask him how he knew that, or even what type of bird it was, he could not tell you. He knew nothing of birds. Still, over time he considered this bird a great friend. He felt as though he could have morning coffee with it, or he, or she - whatever the case may be.

After a while, he built a bird feeder, and hung it outside the window. He filled it every day. He felt as though the bird was very grateful to him for doing that. Joe would have his coffee. The bird would have his (or her?) seed. They were quite happy together each morning for many months.

One day, the bird disappeared. Joe was quite sad about this, and couldn't understand why the bird would leave him like that. Imagine, to leave him so suddenly. Yes, he was quite sad.

A few days later, Joe noticed a big cat, looking rather sinister, sitting underneath the bush just below his window. Well, Joe thought he looked sinister, but in actuality, the cat was quite happy, and rather fat.

Needless to say, Joe and the cat were never very good friends.