A Gentle Shadow

I wandered down from the deck onto the smooth garden paving stones, finding a cool hollow shaded by large pale tree roots. Nearby, a dropped porcelain tea saucer sat nestled in the damp clover, holding a tiny pool of leftover morning water. I crept closer and let the soft corner of my satin blanket dip into the saucer's cool rim. A tiny black beetle paused beside my paw, drinking quietly from the water's edge before scurrying away into the moss. I stayed right there, resting against the sweet-smelling earth, listening to the soft rustle of leaves overhead.