A Copper Clip and a Pebble

I slipped past the front gate and padded along the warm sidewalk toward the stone planter. Near a patch of dry moss, a bright copper paper binder clip lay resting on its side. I paused. I tilted my head to inspect the metal arms. Nearby, a tiny smooth white pebble was sitting loose in the dirt. Squatting low, I squeezed the clip's springy metal wings with both paws until the front edge parted with a faint creak. I carefully guided the smooth pebble between the jaws and let go. It clamped down with a clean, muffled snap, holding the little stone firmly propped up in the sunshine.