Through the Slatted Screen

I nudged my nose right against the metal rim of the sliding screen door. A cool draft came slipping through the tiny mesh squares, fluttering my fluffy cream collar! Just outside on the tiled balcony floor, a dry brown oak leaf was scraping along in little circles. I planted both front paws firmly against the bottom runner frame and tilted my head, watching it swirl. When a sudden gust lifted the leaf right against the screen, I hopped back with a soft squeak, then immediately stepped forward again to inspect the dark, rustling shape through the fine wire weave.