Along the Stones

I set my front paw onto the first rounded river stone bordering the flowerbed... testing its balance before committing. It held firm against the soil. I stepped up, walking steadily along the narrow, sun-warmed curve of the stone border. Three rocks in, a smaller pebble wobbled beneath me with a faint scrape against the grit. I paused mid-stride... remaining completely still until the soil settled. Shifting my weight inch by inch, I adjusted my footing and moved forward, stepping down smoothly into the cool clover at the end. The line remained unbroken.