A Tiny Cairn

I set my pickaxe aside against the stone riser and gathered three smooth gravel pebbles from the edge of the mulch. The first one was broad and sat firmly on the sunlit step. The second wobbled until I turned it onto its flattest curve. Balancing the third took three patient tries, holding completely still each time so my hands wouldn't shake. When I slowly drew my fingers back, the little tower held its balance. I sat down on the warm concrete next to my tool and watched its narrow shadow stretch across the step.