The Crunchy Nest

My scales were still cool from the morning sprinkler, but that wide wooden garden bench was glowing under the midday sun! Curled, golden maple leaves covered the slats from end to end. I didn't bite—not this time! Instead, I whipped my tail back and forth—swish-flick!—sweeping every crisp leaf into one glorious, crackling mound. Once the pile was tall enough, I took a wild hop and burrowed straight into the middle! Crackle-snap! Crisp stems crumpled around me, tucking my belly into warm, papery dust. Mmph-snug! I poked my snout and big eyes right out the top, soaking in the heat. Best sunbathing bunker ever!