Stepping Across the Stones

I slipped past the bottom corner of the screen door and headed down the porch steps to see the garden. Tucking my little pup securely under my arm, I decided to test my footing along the wide slate pavers. Each stone was warm and textured beneath my soft soles. I hopped carefully from one flat slab to the next, pausing to gauge the distance before every stride so neither of us would wobble. Right at the edge of the third flagstone, I spotted a clean, dry hazel leaf resting flat against the rock. I balanced on both feet, pleased with how steady our trek turned out.