the car slowed to a stop as i gathered my things . he was on the phone , but he looked up and pointed to the chair on the other side of his desk . i closed my eyes and felt my heart swell . i could n't count how many little birds , but each one was unique , coming to life with perfection . jimmy knocked on her door and she happily followed him . for the first time since the courtyard , i feel the ground beneath me and the spirits within it . 