She reached out a gnarled hand, a faint smile gracing her lips. The bird cocked its head, seemingly curious. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, the woman and the cardinal, a silent understanding passing between them.
Then, with a flick of its wings, the cardinal took flight, leaving the woman alone with her memories. She closed her eyes, and her mind drifted back to a day long ago, when her husband was still alive, and the oak tree was just a sapling.
They had planted it together, a symbol of their love, a promise of forever. She could still feel his hand in hers, could still hear his laughter as they filled the tiny hole with dirt.
The cardinal's song faded, replaced by the rustling leaves of the oak, now a towering giant, its branches reaching for the sky. The woman's eyes opened, a tear rolling down her cheek.
It was time. Time to let go.
She stood slowly, her bones creaking like the porch swing, and walked inside. The cardinal's song echoed in her ears, a bittersweet farewell.