The Glistening Pebble

I followed a quiet draft of cool air down the hallway and slipped out onto the sheltered stone patio. Right by the brick edge, a ribbon of river pebbles rested in the damp breeze. I stopped, tilting my head to inspect them before taking two cautious waddles closer. One pebble was dark and round, glistening like glass under the mist. I leaned forward and gave it a soft push with my flipper. It rolled, clacking against another stone with a crisp, hollow click! My balance swayed for a second, but I steadied my feet and nudged it into the dry corner. Its surface was wonderfully cold.