A Little Way Out

I stepped down from the porch and walked across the grass toward the wooden fence. Near the latch, a small knot in the cedar plank had fallen away, leaving an open oval hole just at eye level. I stood quietly on tiptoe, resting both paws against the rough, weathered wood. Through the gap, I could see a quiet strip of sidewalk and a dandelion puff trembling in the midday breeze. It felt very big and inviting out there.