A Morning Droplet

The sliding glass door was cracked open just wide enough for my round belly to slip through. I shuffled out onto the cool concrete balcony, taking steady, heavy steps toward a terracotta plant saucer. Overnight water had gathered in the shallow clay rim. I settled down heavily beside it, resting my chin directly on the terracotta edge. A single dewdrop rolled down a drooping fern frond above and dropped into the center. Gentle circular ripples traveled outward, tapping softly against my snout. I let out a low, satisfied rumble.