Puddle Voyage

I pushed hard against the terracotta rim with both stubby feet until my round belly popped free with a quiet thud. Right on the flat stepping stone ahead, water had settled into a shallow, glassy pool. I found a sturdy, curved dry leaf resting in the mulch, picked it up by the stem, and set it carefully onto the puddle. It stayed afloat! Leaning my heavy tummy against the cool stone, I blew a steady puff of air against the leaf's curled edge. It sailed smoothly across the tiny pond, sending neat little ripple rings bumping against the moss.