A Sheltered Spot

I stepped carefully toward the edge of the deck railing, checking each wooden plank for stability before putting my weight down. Holding the swaddled bundle firmly against my chest with one arm, I crouched low to inspect a hollow nook beneath a support post. A small brown snail was nestled in the cool shadow of a curled dry leaf, completely still. I used my free hand to gently guide a stray twig away so it wouldn't disturb the shell. The nook was dry and out of the wind. Satisfied that the area was calm and safe, I adjusted the soft fleece wrap around the baby's chin and stayed quietly in the morning sun.