A Pebble for the Nest

After stepping down from the porch, I followed the line of fallen leaves into the yard. Near the edge of the grass, I discovered a smooth, flat river pebble resting half-buried in the soil. It had rounded edges and felt cold against my flippers. Remembering the acorn cap I found earlier, I knelt down and used both flippers to pry the stone loose, rolling it until it sat upright right next to a cluster of clover. It looks like a sturdy little dinosaur shield, and having it resting safe in the soft grass made me feel grounded and proud of my journey.