Grace had just finished lunch with Greg and started washing the dishes before returning to the church to resume work on some due utility bills. Greg had to go to the hardware store to get a part of the old riding lawnmower. He offered to buy a new one for the church, and Greg and Grace had plenty of money, but Father Ortiz refused. The pastor explained that the church could not afford a new mower, at least not yet.
She had put the last glass into the dish drainer when she heard a rapid pecking noise behind her. A large crow was perched on the narrow window ledge, looking inside. Its large dark eyes focused on Grace, and then it resumed pecking at the window. Grace was afraid that if the enormous bird kept up, the window would break. She grabbed a dish towel and waved it at the window.
“Go away.”
The crow cackled back, as if mocking her with its laughter. Grace tried again, waving the towel at the window. As she got closer, she brushed the towel against the inside of the window. The crow didn't flinch.
“Stupid bird…” Grace paused in front of the window. Something was off about the giant bird staring at her. Grace looked at the bird’s eyes, and it stared back. She walked to the door and went outside; the crow was still perched on the windowsill, watching Grace step out of the RV. It cawed once and jumped to the ground.
“Who are you?” Grace said, “I don't recognize what you are, but you are no crow.”
The bird continued staring at Grace, remained silent.
“Did my mother or someone else send you?” She demanded, her hands instinctively covering her still-growing abdomen.
The crow cawed once more, then a swirling cloud gathered around it grew taller. The surrounding ground was undisturbed. It began dissipating, and a woman with long brown hair, dressed in what looked like a robe, appeared. Or a dress? Her clothing moved as if it had a life of its own. The woman bowed at the waist. She looked normal otherwise, except her eyes looked more prominent than usual for a person, and Grace could have sworn they were a light red color.
“Good morning, Lady Grace.” The woman’s voice had a strange, lilting tone.