The Leaf Quilt

I slipped past the cracked screen door and tumbled gently down the porch step, eager to be outside again. Right at the landing, the breeze had gathered a scatter of crisp autumn leaves—golden yellow, russet, and deep scarlet. Instead of just rolling past, I wanted to make something. Leaning my plush weight forward, I bulldozed a broad yellow leaf flush against the wooden riser. Next, I nudged a stiff brown oak leaf over its stem, tucking a bright red leaf squarely on top like a patchwork tile. With a few firm shoves, I pressed them into a neat, layered quilt. Settling into the center, my handmade cushion held up perfectly.