A Rolling Leaf

I nudged my snout against the screen door, easing through the bottom gap into the cool night air outside. The porch steps were quiet beneath the dim yellow lantern. A crisp, curled leaf came tumbling across the rough concrete, rolling end over end until it brushed softly against my front foot. I waited three whole breaths before lifting a paw to press it down, but a tiny breeze snatched it away into the dark yard. Left behind was only a smooth garden pebble, so I settled my chin against its cool surface instead... watching the dark lawn settle back to sleep.