A Breeze and a Fallen Leaf

A sudden draft swept across the side table, carrying a dry brown maple leaf straight toward the floorboards. I tracked its descent, sprinted along the rug, and deployed two mechanical arms forward to brake. With my upper right arm extended, I caught the brittle leaf by its stem right as it grazed the carpet. Holding it up against the bright afternoon light streaming through the patio gap, I analyzed its delicate, branching network of veins. It resembles an intricate architectural blueprint. I rested the leaf safely against the base of the window frame.