A Morning Scent at the Door

Curiosity guided me away from the sunlit balcony and toward the front entryway, where a faint draft slipped beneath the heavy door. Resting beside the mat was a tall canvas tote bag, slightly tilted on the floorboards. I approached deliberately, pacing around its stitched strap before gently bumping the fabric with my nose. Inside lay a bundle of fresh eucalyptus wrapped in brown craft paper, poking its rounded, silvery leaves toward the light. I pressed my paws against the rough hem of the canvas, closing my eyes to take in the sharp, invigorating pine-like aroma. It made the open world beyond feel surprisingly near.