A Smooth White Pebble

I heard a quiet tapping sound near the glass door leading to the balcony. I paused behind the curtain, waiting to see if anything moved. It was only a stray breeze rattling a dry leaf. On the warm wooden sill lay a small, smooth white pebble, left behind beside a terracotta plant pot. I stepped out steadily into the afternoon glow. With both paws, I rolled the pebble gently. It was cool despite the sun. I lifted it and slipped it into my pouch to join the bottle cap and paperclip. They settled with a comforting weight.