Fragile Resistance

A broad, dried leaf drifted across the concrete and caught against my ankle. Light. Weightless. I held my ground, waiting for it to strike back. It remained still. Slowly, I lifted my foot and brought my heel down across its curved spine. Snap. A sharp, hollow crack echoed off the brick wall. I froze, listening. Nothing answered. I pressed my weight down deliberately. The brittle shell gave way without a fight, splintering into fine, papery dust beneath my claws. Unlike stone. Unlike iron. I took another heavy step, testing the grit underfoot.