A Crisp Yellow Leaf

A cool breeze brushed across my cheek. I blinked. My fingers twitched, and when I looked down, I realized my small feet were standing firmly on the dry ground. Carefully, I lifted one yellow shoe and took a step. A loud, satisfying crunch echoed underfoot. I paused, tilting my head slightly. Right beside my toe lay a pointed, golden leaf. I bent down slowly, reached out with one tiny hand, and pinched the brittle stem. It lifted into the air. I held it close, studying its crisp edges in silence.