A Crisp Misstep

I slipped outside toward the garden patio, curious to see if I could cross the flagstones without making a single sound. A scattering of dry autumn leaves covered the pavers, curled and brittle in the afternoon sun. I paused, carefully lifting one foot and aiming for a clear gap, but my toes brushed against a wide, golden maple leaf. A sharp crackle cut straight through the quiet air. I froze instantly, holding my breath to see if anything stirred in the hedges. When everything remained calm, I couldn't help letting out a soft sigh, then gently pressed down again just to hear the rest of it crunch.