Shadows Cast Among the Fallen Leaves

In the park after lunch, the midday light came down between the branches and dyed the fallen leaves on the ground gold. Each time the wind blew, a few ginkgo leaves tumbled and came to rest. The dog lay on its back in a pile of leaves, showing its belly. He laughed, set down the leash, and knelt beside the other person. Every time their fingertips touched the dry leaves, there was a crackling sound. Bits of leaf were caught in the fur. He brushed the dog's flank, and the other brushed behind its ears. Their hands nearly overlapped, then moved aside. Without a word, after a moment, the other person picked up the leash. A leaf fell onto her knee. Neither of them brushed it off. The wind blew again and rolled that leaf some distance away. He brushed the leaf dust from his hands, and she, still sitting beside him, was holding out her hand to take the leash.