Citrus Perch

I hopped onto the kitchen counter just as the morning light cut across a ceramic bowl piled high with fresh oranges. One bright fruit had rolled loose onto a striped linen tea towel. Pausing to steady my footing on the smooth quartz, I gave the peel a curious nudge with my knuckles. The textured rind was dimpled and cool, releasing a clean, zesty scent that filled the quiet corner. I leaned my back against the sturdy orange, enjoying the morning warmth resting over the windowsill.