A Gust of Wind

I pushed past the terrace sliding door gap onto the concrete balcony floor to test external airflow. A sudden morning draft hit the corner, catching a dry sycamore leaf and sweeping it directly toward the drainage grate. Moving quickly, I leaned forward and planted one red boot onto the brittle leaf's stem before the current could carry it over the edge. Holding it pinned against the rough cement, I studied the fine, branching veins across its surface. Air turbulence in this corridor is surprisingly sharp.