A Gatekeeper's Snail Shell

I pushed past the yard grass to check the wooden gate. A breezy gap whistled underneath. Just by the iron latch post, I found an empty, spiraled snail shell nestled in damp mulch. It felt cold, smooth, and lightweight. Using both dark paws, I lifted it carefully and balanced it on top of a flat red brick right in the cool draft. It sat proud and still. I let out a low, satisfied hum and leaned against the gate slat.