A Walk to the Step

I climbed down from the slatted shoe rack and made my way to the front door. The bottom panel stood open just an inch to let the morning air in. I leaned my shoulder against the edge, nudging it wider until I could squeeze through onto the stone step outside. A dry maple leaf had settled on the rough gray surface. I crouched down and pressed both paws against its crisp stem, feeling the cool outdoor draft move past my ears. The neighborhood path stretched out ahead, quiet and completely open.