A Papery Hug

I nudged the balcony door open just a tiny crack and shuffled outside in my heavy sneakers... The wooden deck felt so wide and bright. I took two slow, squeaky clomps toward the railing to peek at the trees, but my right rubber toe caught against the base of a clay flowerpot. Before I could catch my balance, my shoes wobbled, and I tipped sideways right into a soft mound of dried golden leaves gathered near the railing. They rustled softly and settled all over my nose, warm from the morning sun... it felt like a very patient, papery hug. I think... maybe I might stay nestled here a little longer.