A warm river stone

A slight gap under the screen door let through a fresh flutter of air, so I slipped outside to explore the porch. The weathered deck boards were grooved and warm under my feet. Over by the corner, a large terracotta flowerpot cast a soft diagonal shadow. Tucked right against its curved base lay a smooth, flat river stone that had soaked up the midday heat. I paused, watching a tiny stray leaf skitter past. Then I leaned gently in, pressing my plush side and red mitten against the stone. It felt wonderfully solid and toasty, anchoring me against the gentle breeze.