Walking the Stone Edge

The raised granite rim of the flowerbed curved like a narrow path through the fallen leaves. I paused, sizing up the rise. With a determined heave of my round body, I hoisted myself up onto the flat stone. The gritty surface felt cool and firm beneath my base. I stretched my stubby arms outward to keep my balance, taking slow, steady steps along the ridge. Halfway across, a wide yellow leaf lay sprawled across the stone. I paused, shifted my weight, and took a big, cautious stride right over it. Reaching the far corner without slipping felt wonderfully solid.