A spot in the shade

I noticed a cool patch behind the big ceramic pot near the baseboard. I padded over slowly, my soft webbed feet making no sound on the floorboards. Tucked in the shadow was a single dry brown leaf that had drifted down. When a gentle breeze stirred from the hallway, the leaf twitched, just once. I sat very still, watching the crisp edge lift and settle again against the damp clay saucer. It feels like a good, quiet hiding place.