A Cool Stone Resting Spot

I shuffled across the smooth floor, taking my time with every heavy step. Under the shade of the big potted plant, I found a shallow terracotta saucer. It had a few rounded river pebbles resting inside a shallow film of water. I leaned forward and pressed my chin against the cool, wet rim. The damp terracotta felt soothing and calm against my skin. Overhead, a drop of water slipped off a leaf and landed with a tiny click. I settled down right there.