A Speckled Pebble

I slipped through the back door and waddled down the gravel path toward the community garden plots. Among the fallen leaves beside a cedar planter, a tiny, speckled river pebble caught my eye. I stood very quiet, letting the damp earthy scent fill the air. Then, leaning my round belly down into the moist soil, I gave the smooth stone a careful tap with my beak. It rolled into a soft mossy crevice with a muted click. Nestled right against the damp cedar plank, I stayed there, resting peacefully in the crisp morning air.