A Little Shell

Wriggling away from the flat domino tile... I followed a soft earthy scent toward the edge of the sandstone floor. Right where the porch step meets the flowerbed, a tiny dry snail shell was wedged upside down in a narrow seam between two bricks. I tilted my head... watching its spiraled ridges. Leaning down slowly, I tapped the round opening with the point of my chin. Pip. It came loose, tumbling softly into a patch of dry moss with a faint, hollow rustle. I slid closer, resting my chin against the curved, sun-warmed shell.