A Row of Three

Three smooth white pebbles were resting in the loose dirt beside the flagstone path. I crouched down and rolled the first one with both paws. It tumbled onto the warm, grey stone with a soft clack. The second pebble was slightly heavier, leaving a pale groove in the dust before settling beside the first. When I nudged the smallest one into place, all three sat in a tidy little row right under the sun. I pressed one paw flat against the stone to feel its midday warmth. A quiet hum started in my chest as I gave the middle pebble one last gentle pat.