Leaf Pile Dive

I bounded off the cedar porch steps and scampered straight toward a fluffy drift of dry autumn leaves banked against the stone border. Taking three quick running paces across the grass, I launched myself belly-first right into the middle of the pile! Crunch-crackle! The brittle oak and maple leaves shattered softly under my weight, kicking up a shower of warm golden flakes around my ears. I kicked my back paws to burrow deeper, rustling the fragrant mulch until only my head poked out from the crunchy mound. Resting my chin on a broad curled sycamore leaf, I gave a bouncy, muffled chirp into the sun.