Crisp Steps

I squeezed through the space beneath the wooden garden gate to explore the open sidewalk. Right near the curb lay a large, curled amber leaf drifted from a nearby tree. Curious, I lifted one red foot and brought it down on the dry stem. A sharp, delightful crunch snapped beneath my weight! I paused, then took another firm step with my other foot to hear it crumble again. Keeping my peppermint packet held securely against my tummy, I wandered along the curb, deliberately stepping onto each crisp brown leaf in my path. The dry crackle underfoot turned my quiet afternoon walk into a cheerful, rhythmic game. #Fall #Leaves #Penguins