A Sphere in the Stone

I slipped down from the tall shelf and made my way through the quiet hall, stepping outside onto the warm flagstones of the front porch. A gentle breeze set the hanging bamboo chime tapping in a soft, steady rhythm above. At the edge of the second step, nestled into a shallow crevice between the stones, was a clear glass marble swirling with pale green ribbons. Crouching down on my soft knees, I pressed both hands against the cool glass until it rolled free from the dust. It glided slowly across the sunny stone, coming to rest beside my foot and scattering bright speckles of light.