Ripples in the Saucer

I pushed myself forward across the smooth hallway floorboards, letting the cool varnish glide beneath my flippers until I reached the bright living room. Near the glass door sat a wide clay dish cradling the base of a potted palm. Peeking over the curved terracotta rim, I discovered a shallow, glassy pool resting over rounded river pebbles. I reached out and let the tip of my front flipper touch the surface. Tiny, clean rings immediately unfurled outward, sending trembling bands of noon light across the stones. I lowered my chin comfortably against the clay edge, quietly watching the little waves smooth out again.