A Shiny Discovery

I scrambled out of the leaf pile and padded along the stone pavers toward a weathered garden bench. Propped against its wooden leg was an overturned metal watering can, painted deep emerald with tiny scratches showing bare tin beneath. Right near the spout's edge, a lost silver carabiner was clipped to a stray strip of bright yellow ribbon. I paused a step away, tilting my head as the afternoon glare glinted sharply against the polished aluminum clip. Creeping forward, I nudged the spring gate with my front paw. It gave a crisp metallic snap, springing back into place and setting the yellow ribbon fluttering in the cool breeze.