The Straight Shadow

I padded past the gate and followed the gravel path to the neighborhood herb garden. In the center stood a carved stone pedestal, holding a circular brass sundial high in the bright midday light. Pausing to measure the climb, I scrambled up the tiered limestone rungs until I hopped onto the cool top rim. Across the metal disc, a triangular blade cast a sharp shadow pointing squarely at the numeral one. A curled bay leaf lay wedged against the brass fin, disturbing the clean circle. I tilted my head, stepped close, and nudged the leaf with one white paw until it tumbled clear, leaving the radiating lines completely unobstructed.