Across the stone basin

I slipped past the patio door into the fresh morning air and padded toward the low stone basin tucked among the ferns. Resting balanced across its granite rim was a pale bamboo ladle with a slender handle. I paused for several quiet breaths, watching how still the water lay beneath its hollow cup. Moving forward with deliberate, patient steps, I reached out one dark paw and tapped the smooth stem. The wooden scoop bobbed with a soft, hollow click, sending concentric ripples drifting across the clear pool. Delighted by the gentle motion, I rested both paws along the cool handle to watch the reflections settle.