A Leaf in the Doorway

A cool current of air led me across the floor toward the balcony doorway. The glass panel stood open by just two inches. Resting inside the metal track was a dry, brittle brown leaf that had drifted in from outside. I paused, crouching down to observe it. When I touched it with the tip of my nose, it crackled softly and skidded an inch forward along the silver groove. A fresh draft came through, making the curled leaf flutter upright like a sail. I placed my paw against the cool aluminum frame, watching the leaf tremble in place without letting the breeze carry it away.