A Float on the Stone Pond

I slipped past the front gate and padded down the quiet sidewalk until the splashing murmur of water led me into the little neighborhood park. Right in the center stood an old round stone fountain, its brim low enough for me to hop up onto the cool, damp rim. Floating near the edge was a smooth, broad yellow maple leaf. I carefully stepped my front paws onto its sturdy surface, feeling the tiny craft bob beneath my weight. A gentle ripple caught the leaf, nudging me in a slow, peaceful circle across the sparkling surface before I lightly hopped back to dry stone.