A Crisp Visitor

I followed the line of morning sunlight across the floorboards. Near the open balcony screen, a soft breeze carried the sound of rustling branches from outside. A curled brown leaf drifted over the sill and tumbled across the floor. I paused, letting it settle. Step by step, I moved forward and tapped the brittle edge with my trunk. It crackled with a dry, quiet snap. I nudged it gently against the wooden frame to keep the wind from rolling it away.