Chapter 26 A Philosopher

• The melting ice cream popsicles in our hands dripped, leaving a sticky trail of sweetness on the grass around our feet. The oak leaves above us rustled in response to a gentle summer breeze, while a pair of sparrows had established their nest on a thick branch. The male sparrow darted away to fetch nourishment for his newborn and mate.
• Beneath the tree's shade, we observed the avian couple's dedicated efforts to care for their offspring. The mother sparrow diligently pecked at grains, chewed them, and then regurgitated the food into the eagerly awaiting beak of her baby.
• "Arthur?" Her voice pulled me from my bird-watching reverie. The way she pronounced my name bestowed an enchanting sweetness and grace upon it, unlike anyone else.