Chapter 2: A Soft Sound
Lily was standing near the garden fence when she heard it—a soft, unfamiliar sound. It wasn't loud, but it was enough to make her stop.
She looked around carefully. The leaves were still, the air calm. Then she saw it. A small bird sat quietly on a low branch, its feathers slightly ruffled, its eyes curious but cautious.
Lily didn't move. She was afraid even the smallest step might scare it away.
The bird tilted its head, studying her. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, as if sharing a secret no one else could understand.
A gentle breeze passed through the garden, and the bird fluttered its wings. Before Lily could say anything, it flew away, disappearing into the sky.
Yet the silence it left behind felt different—warmer somehow.
Lily smiled softly.
She didn't know why, but she felt certain this wouldn't be the last time she saw the little bird.