I sit vigilant, staring down, scanning for signs of movement. My senses on high alert.

The dark shrouding my form, my head spinning, trying to hone in on the quietest of sounds.

A noise catches my attention, my eyes look in on its location, I see a mouse scuttling around, looking for shelter.

I release my talons from the branch and swoop down silently towards my prey.

I open my beak ready for my meal, but as soon as I get to the mouse it looks up and catches me.

It scurries off leaving me without a meal.

I curse out myself for failing, but next time I won’t miss. That mouse’s days are numbered.