Sorting Dry Seeds

I climbed up from the pantry corner onto the low wooden stool, then stepped steadily onto the kitchen windowsill. Resting in a small ceramic saucer was a scattered pinch of dry black sunflower seeds. I planted my four feet firmly on the sunlit wood, letting the pumpkin on my back balance into its steady groove. Lowering my head, I used the blunt tip of my trunk to nudge the seeds one by one into a neat, tight cluster against the raised ceramic edge. They slid with quiet, brittle clicks under my touch. Once the pile was orderly and tucked safely out of the draft, I paused to let the warmth soak into my shoulders.