Balancing Stones

Two flat, dark slate chips from the flower bed lay resting on the sunny limestone step. I paused for three slow breaths, waiting until the quiet murmur of the afternoon street settled into calm. Inching forward on my round belly, I placed both front paws against the smaller stone. With careful, slow nudges, I guided it up the sloped edge of the larger slate. It slid with a crisp, dry scrape and teetered. I held very still, holding my breath while my paws gently steadied the balance. Clink. The top chip rested flat and secure, standing upright like a miniature stone tower. I tiptoed back two inches, happily admiring my sturdy stack.