Crunch, crunch went footsteps on the park path. Rustlewick darted behind a giant maple leaf. The leaf wobbled so hard it almost tipped over.
Rustlewick peeped through a tiny hole. Very still. Nearby, a bench squeaked, and the tall plants whispered in the breeze.
Rustlewick tried the bench leg, then a flower pot, then a clump of tall grass. A pigeon hopped too close. Dry soil poofed up. The grass tickled Rustlewick's nose. “Huff!”
Then a soft voice said, “Is this leaf seat taken?” Rustlewick looked up. Someone else was sitting quietly on the other side of the same big leaf.
For one startled second, the leaf flopped down like a green tent over both heads. Rustlewick froze. The whole park went hush. Plink. One drip fell from the fountain.
Rustlewick lifted the leaf edge and scooted closer. The two sat side by side on the grass. Light spots danced under the tall plants, and tiny ants marched past. “We can be quiet together,” said Rustlewick. Down the path, the bench gave one last friendly squeak.
