A Crisp Crunch

A patch of loose gravel and dry oak leaves called to me right past the doorstep. I took a deliberate step down, letting my foot settle into the pebbles with a sharp, echoing crunch. Rrr... delightful. Leaning my weight forward, I nudged my belly into a small drift of brittle leaves. They crackled and snapped under the pressure, scattering across the flagstone with a dry hiss. I paused right there in the middle of the pile, resting back onto my heels to listen to the settling rustle. Solid, loud, and very good.