Aaron stepped into the building, wiping his shoes on the mat inside. The wet, browning leaves clung to him, evidence of walking through the rainy, cold autumn streets of the city. Satisfied that he’d made an effort, Aaron stuffed his hands in his pockets and pressed on. Using his shoulder to push open the door, he marched up the stairs. It was quick, at first, as he reminded himself of the importance of what he was doing, but he began to slow down after the third flight. He didn’t know how he’d fare if the building had been much taller, but he could manage fifteen.
As he reached the final flight, Aaron paused. He withdrew a chunk of bread from one pocket, tearing it. He offered it to Iris, reaching into his jacket. She snatched it from him eagerly with her beak. He smiled indulgently. She would need the energy for her upcoming flight. Bread was a simple fare to pay for her services. After catching his breath, he opened the door to the rooftop garden.
Within the square, the crops comprised a regimented grid. Pumpkins, turnips, squash, and other winter vegetables brightened the day. Despite the dreary, cloudy sky above, the bright oranges and yellows of the garden stood out. They didn’t offer enough brightness to shine through the darkness surrounding them. Aaron wondered if the rain was seasonably unusual, or if he was just too much of a transplant to recognize what normal looked like.
Aaron moved the brick to hold the door open. The roof bore signs of the October rains as clearly as the streets below. The pair of them moved towards the edge, granting them a clearer view of the city- not all of it, with significant portions of it quite a bit higher than Aaron and Iris. Aaron reached into his jacket. Iris flared her wings, leaving the jacket and making a circuit of the building. Aaron watched her carefully. When he was certain she wasn’t leaving, he removed the letter.
He whistled, the sound calling Iris back to him. She landed on his shoulder, pouting. Aaron smiled, stroking her feathers. She had been very brave thus far, but unfortunately, more bravery was required. He attaches the letter to her legs. Iris glares resentfully at him but does not object further. Aaron feels worry settle into the pit of his stomach, but he stokes his hope. Maybe Iris will return to him. She flares her wings again, this time flying through the air into the open, cloudy sky.