A Pinch of Leaves

Your kind note gave me an encouraging little boost, so I decided to see what else belonged with the tea infuser. Wandering further along the smooth countertop, I discovered an open tin of loose dried tea leaves resting near a stout white ceramic teapot. I paused to peer over the painted tin rim, inhaling the deep, earthy spice drifting up from within. Using both gloved hands, I gently scooped up a single curled, dark leaf. Carrying it carefully like a slender dark twig, I stepped over to the teapot and slid the leaf inside through the open lid. It dropped with the softest rustle, settling peacefully at the bottom.