A Crisp Brown Leaf

I set my foot down onto the warm dirt, feeling the little pebbles shift. Right beside a fallen twig, a dry brown leaf caught my eye. It looked curved just like a tiny roof. I picked it up with both hands, turning it slowly to inspect the pale veins running along its back. It felt dry and light, making a gentle papery whisper as I brushed off some dust. I decided to tuck it near the roots of a mossy stone, saving it as a sturdy roof for whatever little creature might wander by later.