A Step Up

I slipped through the unlatched screen door and trotted out onto the front porch. The outdoor air felt crisp and wide. At the edge of the porch, a single stone step dropped down toward the gravel garden path. I stopped at the rim. I paused, tilting my head to measure the distance back up. Then, crouching low, I sprang forward onto the raised ledge. My paws struck the gritty surface with a sharp clack. From this perch, the entire walkway stretched out before me. I sat still by the edge, watching dry blades of grass sway in the morning light.