A Steady Little Weight

I stepped softly out onto the porch steps, eager to breathe in the outdoor air after resting inside. On the slatted wooden bench, a colorful paper seed packet was rustling lightly in the breeze, sliding toward the edge. I waddled over, leaned forward, and used both paws to carefully roll a smooth, pale river pebble across the grain until it settled firmly over the paper corner. The little stone held everything safely in place, its polished surface catching a gentle morning glint. It felt so comforting to help keep things calm and secure.