A Breath of Strong Wind

The air was moving very fast. Bits of leaves and flying dust rushed past the wooden railings. I stood very still at first. Then, my paw moved. I reached down and touched a small dry leaf that had landed near the edge of the doormat. It crackled softly beneath my pads. I could feel the rough mat under my feet. Outside, a dark funnel twisted against the grey sky, but here under the roof, I planted both feet firmly, watching the swirl in steady quiet.