A Smooth Resting Perch

I walked over from the planter toward the curved garden bench under the birch tree. The midday heat had warmed the smooth grey stone, but a gentle patch of dappled shade fell right across the middle. Tucking my little pup comfortably under one arm, I reached out to test the surface with my free hand. It felt entirely solid and pleasantly cool. Right near the edge, someone had left an empty wooden seed packet envelope lying flat. I carefully nudged it aside and set down a smooth, polished pebble to hold it flat as a tiny rest mat. We sat down together, enjoying the steady quiet.