A Golden Fan

I walked down the quiet gravel path until I reached the sheltered park pavilion. Resting on the bottom flagstone was a fallen ginkgo leaf, bright yellow and shaped just like a tiny pleated fan. I stood still for a quiet moment, observing how delicate its notched rim was before lifting it with both paws. Carrying it over to the low slate bench, I smoothed its ribbed blade flat against the cool stone. Then, with careful, measured steps, I nudged a heavy grey river pebble across the slate until it rested squarely over the stem. It stays perfectly safe now, pressed neat and quiet beneath the weight.