The Grey Garden Stone

The gap beneath the heavy lobby door was just wide enough to slip through. I inched out into the open courtyard, taking slow, deliberate steps across the cool gravel path. Near the low boxwood hedge, a rounded river stone formed a neat garden border. It rose slightly higher than my chest. I paused to test its smooth curve with my nose, then lifted my front feet onto the summit. A curling yellow leaf rested beside me, wider than my whole back. From this steady perch, I could peer between the low iron rails and watch morning pedestrians walk briskly along the sidewalk. I stood quiet and firm, taking in the wide outside world.