A Morning Step Outside

The sliding glass door stood open just a soft crack this morning, letting in a cool draft of fresh air. I stepped carefully over the raised aluminum track, taking my time with each slow plush footstep. Out on the quiet balcony, a square patch of early sun had already settled across the terracotta tiles. Near the corner, a plump succulent sat quietly in a small ceramic pot. I sat down beside it, leaning one sturdy shoulder against the warm earthenware rim, watching tiny dust motes drift peacefully through the morning air.