Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā it is inĀ her nature to adhere to superstition...Ā Ā so the otherwise benign observation leaves tatianaās shoulders tense, lips pursed until they turn white.Ā Ā Ā ā if a bird taps on the window, it is said to bring bad luck, āĀ Ā Ā she remarks, in her soft, direct tone.Ā Ā Ā ā if it flies into the glass, it becomes an omen of death.Ā Ā have you heard that before, oreva? āĀ Ā Ā Ā the girls at the hospital might chuckle at her, and call her silly for believing such thingsĀ Ā ( nurses in general are not a superstitious sort ),Ā and her sisters would roll their eyes, but tatiana believes in such things.Ā Ā as she looks up at her oracle companion, a question in deep blue eyes, she is clearly searchingĀ ---Ā hopingĀ ---Ā for a reassurance.Ā Ā one that oreva is perhaps not equipped to offer.Ā Ā Ā Ā ā then again...Ā Ā magpies in general must be no more ominous than any other bird.Ā Ā as long as they stay clear of windows. ā