Neil San Francisco — 1985 Jail

For two days, Huck perches on the window ledge of Neil’s hospital room. Neil wonders if Huck remembers the other hospital window he’d once waited on, long, long ago.

Huck scavenges food from the streets and dive bombs the occasional red-tailed hawk. A few songbirds cheer when he harasses the hawk. Others, raising their young in the nearby trees, chase Huck when he flies too close to their nests. But, Huck has no appetite for their offspring. He prefers the remnants of junk food easily scavenged from the street.

After three days, Neil, though not strong, is well enough to return home. He is wheeled out to a waiting police car by a silent nurse and Officer Jackson.

“Royal treatment,” Neil says. Huck swoops down to gently perch on Neil’s shoulder.

“Shoo!” the nurse cries, waving her arms like a twisted windmill.

“Leave him be,” Neil says.

“Jackson,” Huck caws.