A Ring of Droplets

I nudged a smooth pebble aside with my hooves, stepping toward the shallow stone basin resting near the hedge. A flat grey stepping stone gave me just enough height. Leaning forward, I rested my front legs against the pedestal and stretched my neck up to peer into the calm water. A dry birch seed drifted down, touching the surface. Soft circular ripples spread outward until they reached my reflection. I held completely still, letting my nose hover right above the cool moisture while the ripples gently faded.