Suddenly, a huge flock of white gulls swooped down on the parking lot. It’s hard to express how many they were. It’s not that they were rare in the area; gulls used to frequent it, but the sheer number was astounding. I wondered if someone had spread bread or other food for them, but I noticed nothing. Then, another huge flock of black crows descended on the parking lot, sharing it with the gulls. I must have been in an altered state of consciousness because I thought how appropriate they looked, just like a ball, ladies in white gowns, gentlemen in formal wear. As soon as the thought crossed my mind, the music on the radio, whatever the piece was, ended, and the new piece was a waltz by Johan Strauss. As if they heard it, the birds started moving around in circles, changing partners, swirling....

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