The Emerald Lens

I trotted straight through the propped patio door and hopped down the steps into the courtyard. Right beside the low terracotta planter, a wide, glossy green leaf held a single, giant droplet of clear water in its center groove. It sat round and shivering like a liquid marble. A delicate challenge. I braced my front paws firmly against the damp rim of the pot and leaned in close. One tiny nudge of my nose against the stem sent the droplet sliding smooth along the green vein. It didn't break. Through the curved bubble, the leaf's tiny ridges blew up into huge, bright emerald canyons! I held completely still. Breath held. Examination successful.