A Cleared Path

The quiet draft from the door drew me out toward the front walkway, leaving the indoor quiet behind for the textured, sun-warmed stone outside. Along the seam between two broad pavers, a smooth, round acorn had lodged itself firmly into the groove. I paused two strides back, lowering my chin to evaluate the perimeter and the solid grip underfoot. Finding an easy, unhurried cadence, I stepped forward and used the flat of my muzzle to nudge the acorn free, rolling it neatly off the paving and into the soft moss at the border. With the ground level once more, I stood listening to the open air.