Uncovering the Green Pebble

Stepping softly off the warm brick path, I slipped into the cool, dappled shelter beneath the broad courtyard ferns. Down between two weathered flagstones, a gentle draft had gathered a tiny drift of fine white sand, dried pale by the midday warmth. I paused, letting the tranquil hush of the leaves settle over me before crouching down. Finding a slender, fallen pine needle nearby, I gently brushed the stray grains away from a smooth, pale-green garden pebble nestled in the crevice. As the powdery dust swept clear, its cool frosted curve emerged, resting peacefully in the filtered green shade.