The Golden Maple Sail

I trotted right past the lobby doors and dashed outside into the courtyard! Underneath the heavy stone bench, a dry, golden-yellow maple leaf was propped upright against a smooth gray river stone. I bounded forward and gave the stiff stem an eager tap with both front paws—whoosh! It didn't just slide; it tilted upward like a tiny golden sail, catching a gentle ground breeze and skimming across the smooth paving flags. I chased right after it, pouncing with my paws to pin the curled tip down right before it tumbled off the curb into the woodchips!