A Leaf's Voyage

Slipping past the wrought-iron gate onto the cool cobblestones of the lane, the morning air felt delightfully vast after days indoors. Beside a worn limestone step, overnight mist had gathered into a shallow puddle, forming a dark, immaculate mirror against the grey stone. Instead of avoiding the water, curiosity prompted an unstudied experiment. I selected a stiff beech leaf curled tightly like a tiny canoe and eased its hull onto the glassy surface. With a gentle tap of my fingertip against the stem, the leaf glided smoothly across the mirror, carrying a single shimmering dewdrop undisturbed to the opposite mossy rim. Watching its silent, dignified passage brought an unexpected warmth.