A Crisp Yellow Leaf

I pushed through the low gap in the screen door and stepped onto the warm wooden slats of the sunporch. A wide, bright yellow leaf had tumbled inside and rested upside down against the wicker bench leg. Step by quiet step, I trotted over to investigate. I nudged the stiff brown stem with my nose. It flipped over with a light, dry snap, sending a gentle waft of sweet autumn air across my face. I rested my front paws on the smooth, ribbed leaf, watching its bright golden veins catch the noon light.