At the woodland edge

For seven weeks, the injured owl had occupied the quietest enclosure at the wildlife centre. Now its travelling crate rested beside me among the trees. Reaching this evening meant that our work had succeeded, and I felt a glow of satisfaction whenever I remembered how weak the bird had been. Yet the prospect of returning tomorrow to an empty enclosure left me unexpectedly miserable. I wondered how it would react to unfamiliar woodland after weeks of regular food and shelter. A selfish part of me hoped the ranger would postpone opening the crate, although I knew that keeping a healthy wild bird for my own comfort would betray the purpose of its recovery.

In your own words, explain the writer's thoughts and feelings before the owl was released.