A Morning Visitor

I followed a soft fluttering hunch all the way to the front entryway. Tucked in the narrow space between the heavy door and the welcome mat, a crisp brown maple leaf had slipped inside overnight. I sat down and nudged its dry, curly edge with both plush paws. It spun softly on the woven fibers, revealing a speck of morning dust trapped in its stem. Even quiet little travelers from outside leave stories on the doorstep.