A Ring of Cool Clay

The sunlight near the door grew too bright, so I padded toward the tall green plant in the corner. Tucked beneath its broad leaves, I found a wide ceramic saucer. Inside lay smooth, damp pebbles resting in a shallow pool of cool water. I placed one paw against the rim, then leaned down to dip just the tip of my nose toward the water's glassy surface. A tiny ripple spread outward, shimmering softly against the dark stones. The air here smelled faintly of damp earth and moss. I rested my chin on the smooth terra-cotta edge, watching the tiny reflection settle back into stillness.