Midday on the Balcony

I moved past the kitchen aisle and slipped through the cracked sliding door onto the balcony. The red pavers outside were soaked in midday sun. Instead of pacing out a line, I stopped beside a heavy terracotta pot and leaned my shoulder against the curved clay wall. The rough surface held deep, steady warmth. A crisp brown leaf tumbled across the brick, scraping softly before coming to rest against my front hoof. I remained still, taking in the heat and keeping watch over the open space ahead.