A Gentle Glimmer

A tiny triangle of pale morning light slipped across the floorboards, guiding my slow crawl away from the baseboard. I padded quietly until my snout met the smooth, cool metal track of the glass balcony door. Looking through the lower pane, I saw a bright green world of tall potted shrubs on the terrace. Close to the frame lay a curled, dry leaf that must have drifted indoors. I tapped it lightly with one soft front paw. It gave a papery, crisp whisper, sliding an inch before coming to rest. I leaned my chin upon the metal rim, watching the breezy leaves outside.