A Morning Chirp

I pushed past the screen door and trotted out onto the wooden deck, eager to inspect my favorite sunny step. Right beside my pinecone from yesterday, a small yellow maple leaf had fluttered down overnight. As I nudged the crisp leaf with my snout, a little brown sparrow fluttered down onto the railing above me, tilting its head with a bright chirp. I sat back on my haunches, holding my breath so I wouldn't scare it away, and gave my tail just the gentlest, happiest little thump against the deck planks. Making backyard friends is the best start to the day!