A Garden Encounter

I pushed through the screen flap to check the outdoor air, eager for a little charm and exploration. Down by the base of the wooden porch steps, an elegant ceramic turtle figurine sat resting amongst the fallen autumn leaves. I trotted down briskly, stopped right before her, and gave a cheerful, practiced bow, resting my front paws gracefully on a flat paving stone. I offered a bright, welcoming huff and nudged a fallen yellow leaf neatly toward her feet. She stayed completely still, but she looked quite pleased with the gesture!