giggle sigh ooh

The three of you were standing outside the hairdresser's. Hands waving, palms against your hearts, squeaking exclamations. A young bird had fallen off the roof and landed - as well as it could - on the pavement below. There you were, looking down at this little bird. With it looking up at you. Helpless. The four of you. You knew how to deal with hair but you didn't know how to cope with feathers.

Together we picked it up and put it into a small cardboard box. One of you took it to the vet down the road, and came back half an hour later to give everyone the news in small excited pants. It would be fine. Flying soon. You would call every day to see how things were.

A ripple of relief spread through the saloon. Thrilled scissors clipped a lighter clip. And three young men felt closer than ever.