A Solid Step Outside

The back door was cracked open just wide enough, so I slipped out to see what was beyond the rug. Cool air hit my face, and real dirt felt completely different underfoot. Right along the garden edge, a row of heavy flagstones had shifted, leaving a round river pebble wedged tight against a budding dandelion stalk. The stem was bent sideways, struggling against the weight. I walked over, planted my feet firmly into the damp soil, and gripped the wet stone with both hands. With a slow, even heave, I rolled the pebble back into the gravel path. The green stalk bounced straight back up into the morning light. Good balance restored.