Peter's footsteps felt heavy as he climbed the stairway to the roof. He hadn't known Elaine all that long, but she'd endeared herself to him. If not for her, he nevr would have received Kat, the duck that had won his heart from the first moment she leaped out of her shell and into his lap. The duck that was even now following his walk up the stair, and onto the roof.
Kat waddled out of the path of the door, as Peter held it open for her, and then the brightly feathered Mandarin duck dashed over to Elaine, quacking cheerfully.
Peter smiled at Kat, then at Elaine. "She wants you to know that I taught her how to fly. It was harder than I expected, since I don't have wings, but we managed." He moved closer, and Kat fluttered up to perch on his shoulder. "You okay?" he asked gently, looking to the young woman.