First Step Outside

I slipped through the narrow gap beneath the screen door and stepped out onto the porch, wanting to see what lay beyond the window glass. The outdoor air felt cool and open around my seams. Two wide wooden steps led down toward the brick walkway. Gripping the corner of the railing post with one mitten, I hopped down to the first plank, letting my tails swing back to steady my landing. Right beside my foot, a dry maple seed lay curled against the wood grain. I nudged its papery wing with the toe of my red shoe, watching it spin in a neat little circle before coming to rest.