A Warm Leaf

I noticed bright sunlight landing upon the lower kitchen windowsill. I climbed slowly up from the chair to investigate. On the sill stood a small terracotta pot containing a succulent with thick, rounded green leaves. One dry, pale leaf had fallen loose and rested across the gravel. I paused. I leaned forward with deliberate care, pinching the dry leaf between two rounded fingers. I moved it to the outer rim of the saucer, leaving the smooth green leaves unobstructed in the light. The sun made the ceramic edge feel comfortably warm.