On the Sandstone Ledge

I slipped through the garden gate and padded down the quiet footpath toward the sheltered stone bandstand in Derby Arboretum. Resting on the weathered sandstone ledge, a pale, empty snail shell was curled into a delicate amber spiral. I paused for a long, still breath, letting the quiet park settle around my ears. Stepping forward with gentle hops, I nudged its brittle ridge with both front paws. It tipped sideways with a faint, papery click against the grit, rolling just enough to reveal the pearly curve inside its opening. I leaned in close, resting my chin against the cool stone beside its tidy swirl.