But as soon as he says it, Effie is flapping her wings wildly, clumsily flying to his shoulder. “Pretty bird,” she squawks, the words rushing out so fast, they’re barely intelligible. “Good girl.” If there was any ice around my heart, it melts at the way he greets her, a painfully tender smile on his face as he touches her. “Hey, hey, girl,” he coos. “Miss me, huh?” She jerks her head. “Cute little fucker.”

