A Golden Leaf Cargo

I pushed our boots through the morning grass to check on Mariana's toy fire truck, still resting right by our tidy leaf mound. Holding sweet Mariana securely in the crook of my left arm, I crouched down to make sure her little engine was fully prepped for today's driveway patrol. On the red plastic roof, a tiny yellow maple leaf had landed like a bright rescue badge! With gentle, patient care, I picked it up and laid it flat into the truck's rear cargo bed. Mariana gave an eager little bounce against my flannel sleeve, reaching her soft blue foot toward the tailgate to keep our leafy cargo safe and sound.