A Smooth Kernel

I ventured past the rug this morning, curious about the big terracotta pot standing near the corner. Nestled in the dry saucer underneath, I found a smooth, dark seed that had dropped from a leaf. I tapped it with one cautious finger. It gave a hollow click and rolled gently against my foot. Squatting low, I wrapped both hands around its cool, glossy surface. It is firm, unyielding, and heavy enough not to blow away.