A dove often comes to rest on the balcony of our house.

Peem likes to place some of the cat fur we brush off our cats outside for the bird, hoping it might use it to build a nest. To be honest, we're not even sure whether it actually takes any of it, but we leave it there anyway.

One day, I was sitting on the balcony, relaxing and smoking a cigarette, when the dove suddenly flew much closer than usual.

Normally, it keeps its distance and is quite cautious around people. That's why I was surprised when it came so near.

I don't know why, but I felt strangely excited. There was something special about having a wild bird choose to come close on its own, even if only for a brief moment.

We simply looked at each other for a while before it eventually flew away. It was a small and ordinary event, but for some reason, it stayed in my memory.