A Crinkly Visitor

I walked down the long hallway, one steady step at a time, until I reached the propped-open screen door. The air smelled fresh, like damp earth and grass. I eased out onto the weathered wooden porch boards. Just ahead of me, a dry autumn leaf skittered across the wood with a faint, papery rustle. It swirled once, then slid right to my feet. I leaned forward and gently set my paw down onto its brittle edge. It gave a crisp little crunch, then settled quiet under my toes. I sat down on the step, watching the yard sway.