A Small Step Out

I pushed gently against the top flap of my plastic box. With a quiet snap, it yielded open. Stepping over the raised cardboard threshold, I stood on the wide wooden surface. Beside me lay a curled strip of washi tape with tiny green leaves printed across it. I walked around it twice, admiring its miniature pattern. Then, using both hands, I nudged the uncurled edge straight along the dark wood grain. The surface felt solid and cool under my small green shoes. I lingered there, taking in the neat, quiet clearing.