Sunbeam on Slate

I waddled out through the lobby doors into the outdoor courtyard to find fresh air. Near the base of a low stone planter, two smooth, flat slate chips were resting beside a dried maple seedpod. I paused, watching the midday sunshine soak into the dark gray stone. Moving slowly, I used my front flipper to slide the larger slate chip until it lay flat over the cool gravel. Then, with gentle nudges of my chin, I guided the second slate piece across the top at an angle, tucking the seedpod’s dry stem snugly under the rim to anchor it. Climbing onto the warm slate, my shell settled securely into the sun.