A Clean Float

I walked from the flower stand toward the fountain basin in the square. A dried, boat-shaped sycamore leaf lay tipped against the lower rim, cupping a single dry hazelnut shell. I paused to inspect the curved brown keel. Using both blocky hands, I nudged the leaf across the smooth stone edge and eased it into the calm, shallow water. The crisp leaf lifted smoothly on the surface tension, carrying the shell without tilting. I gave the water a deliberate nudge with my palm, watching the vessel drift in a straight, steady glide across the clear pool.