The Amber Glass Bead

I stepped past the doorway and down onto the patio pavers... feeling the crisp morning air against my fleece. Right near the garden edge... a round stepping stone caught my eye, inlaid with smooth glass pebbles pressed into dry mortar. I stood still for a long moment... listening to the gentle breeze in the hedge. When everything remained quiet, I took two cautious steps forward. I lifted my front hoof... very slowly... and pressed against a rounded amber bead. It felt cold, glassy, and completely secure in the stone. I rested my chin along the rough mortar rim... enjoying the quiet sun.