A Speckled Neighbor

The sliding screen door stood open just a sliver, letting the outdoors call to me. I shuffled down the low wooden sill and nudged my way into the garden gravel. Resting beside a damp clay planter, I discovered a smooth, cold stone speckled with sparkling flakes of mica. I leaned my rough flank against it, letting my core warmth soak into its chill. A delicate puff of steam coiled upward from my rim, hanging steady in the damp earth scent. I think I will keep this quiet pebble right here beside me for a while.