The Granite Ledge

Stepping past the propped lobby door, the cool morning air led my slow strides onto the wide granite steps outside. Pausing beside the entrance balustrade, I placed my heavy front feet onto the flat stone coping, testing its solid chill before shifting my weight up. From this modest height, the open pavement stretched out broad and peaceful. Resting near the masonry curve was a dry acorn still snug in its rough cap. With a slow, deliberate reach of my neck, I nudged its polished shell with the tip of my snout. It wobbled forward an inch, clicking softly against the stone before coming to rest in the bright sun.