Nikola Tesla and his Pigeon

In Girl in the Glass, Declan is still processing his emotions, having learned Embrie is a robot. Denial has morphed into an existential crisis:

What kind of screwed up person am I, that my closest interpersonal connection was with a machine?”

James tries to reassure him by mentioning an even-odder pairing:

“Not any more messed up than Mr. Tesla. That guy is in love with a pigeon. At least yours was an honest, non-bestial mistake.”

James is referring to Nikola Tesla’s well-documented affinity for a pigeon. In general, Tesla had an unusual, deep affection for pigeons, particularly one white pigeon that he claimed to love "as a man loves a woman". He believed this pigeon, which he cared for and nursed back to health, was his closest friend and a source of joy and purpose. Tesla's love for this pigeon wasn't just about companionship; he saw her as a symbol of purity, beauty, and loyalty, qualities he felt were lacking in his interactions with humans. Tesla's relationship with this pigeon was not merely a fondness for the birds, but a profound emotional connection, leading him to state that her death marked the end of his life's work, reporting that this special pigeon died in his arms, and at that moment, he saw a bright white light shine from her eyes, leading him to believe his life's work was complete.

Nikola Tesla photoshopped with a pigeon (there are no real pics, but plenty of creative renderings)