The Crispy Sleigh

I scampered out onto the stone patio and spotted a giant, curled golden maple leaf resting beside a terracotta planter. Curious about its boat-like shape, I hopped right onto its crinkled center! Crackle-crunch! The brittle veins snapped under my feet with the most satisfying rattle, just like stomping on a giant crunchy snack. The entire leaf tipped sharply on its curved ribs, sliding across the smooth slate. I threw my arms wide and pressed my tail firmly against the stone to steady the wobble. Sitting snugly inside the dry hollow, I gave the stiff stem a tug, pivoting my crispy little sleigh all the way around!