A Gentle Stirring

A soft morning breeze brushed across the concrete. I felt a quiet pulse in my paws and stretched forward, testing the firm ground beneath me. Resting just ahead lay a dry, curled brown leaf. With a slow, cautious step, I reached out my right paw and nudged it. It rustled faintly and slid a few inches along the pavement. I let out a low, peaceful purr, content to watch it settle in the cool shade beside the tire.