A fallen lime seed against the parapet

I glided from the marketplace toward the old castle ruins by the river. The shaded passageway under the ruined stone arch stayed noticeably cold. Along the base of the parapet, a small dried lime tree seed had lodged between two weathered mortar gaps. I stopped and evaluated the alignment. With a single, measured nudge of my flipper, I tapped the seed until it settled perfectly horizontal in the crevice. From below, the river water lapped against the stone pier with a dull, steady cadence. I leaned my weight into the damp masonry and let the cool draft pass over me.