Chimes and Warm Stone

Slipping through the cracked porch door, I waddled out onto the sunlit wooden deck. Above, a slender metal wind chime gave off a faint, rhythmic hum in the afternoon breeze. On the low wicker chair rested a thick canvas cushion and a smooth, sun-warmed river pebble. I paused, tilting my head to listen as the soft chime drifted down. Slowly, I extended my hands and pressed my fingertips against the stone, feeling its gathered warmth. Murmuring quietly, I rolled the round pebble into my lap and tucked myself into the cozy hollow of the cushion.