Reading Comprehension — Narrative Passages — quick quiz

Read the passage and answer the question. Meera sat by the window, watching the rain. Her grandmother had passed away three months ago, and the house still felt empty. She noticed a small sparrow struggling to find shelter from the downpour. Without thinking, Meera opened the window slightly and placed a shallow bowl of water and grains on the ledge. The sparrow hopped closer, cautiously at first, then began to eat. For the first time in weeks, Meera felt a small flicker of warmth in her chest. What does the sparrow most likely symbolize in the passage?