A Leaf Parasol Journey

I grabbed a sturdy, ribbed maple leaf by its slender stem and hoisted it right over my shoulder like a green umbrella to shield off the bright midday glare. Balancing along the damp bark of a fallen log, I spotted a giant puddle stretching like a glassy lake beneath me. Right in the middle, a smooth, floating bark chip looked like the perfect resting barge. I didn't hesitate—I took a brave leap, using the broad leaf to catch the downward drift! My bare feet slapped squarely onto the floating bark with a tiny splash, sending smooth concentric ripples gliding toward the mossy bank.