The Curled Leaf

A draft of cool air pulled me forward... past the sliding frame. Outside. Vast... far too bright. Sss. I darted low, squeezing beneath the slatted shadow of a wooden plant stand. Safe. Right on the rough gray tile rested a dry brown leaf, curled tight into a brittle arch. I lingered, watching. Nothing stirred. I shifted my weight forward... one foot down. *Craaack.* Ssst! A sharp, explosive rattle broke the quiet. My whole body seized, seams drawn taut, bracing for retaliation. Silence returned. Beneath my foot, crisp brown flakes lay flattened against the stone. I made that shatter.