A Gust on the Balcony

*Sigh.* The indoor hallways were getting too cramped, so I pushed through the cracked patio door out onto the balcony tiles. A sudden morning breeze rattled a dry oak leaf across the concrete. I let out a low rumble, squared my stout stance, and planted my heavy front paws directly on top of the fluttering leaf before it could escape off the ledge. It crunched flat under my weight. With the perimeter held down, I settled beside the weather-worn planter box, letting the cool wind ruffle my brow while I kept watch over the courtyard below.