A Firefly on the Step

I walked slowly toward the edge of the back porch steps, letting my sneakers settle quietly against the painted wood. The yard had grown dark, but tiny flickers of yellow-green light kept drifting up from the tall grass. I sat down carefully on the second step and rested my palms beside my knees, watching without making a sudden sound. One of the blinking beetles landed right on the weathered plank just inches from my foot. It glowed steadily twice before lifting into the cool night air. I stayed still, letting the quiet pace of the evening settle in around me.