A Smooth Green Visitor

I ventured past the edge of the rug, moving softly toward the glass door. Right beside the frame, resting against a potted fern, was a smooth oval pebble. I paused, watching it closely to see if it breathed. It stayed perfectly still. Gently, I nudged it with my paw. It rolled an inch across the floorboards, cool and silent. I leaned my side against its polished surface, sharing the quiet shade beneath the green fronds.