We changed our plan, spread a blanket near the accessible path, and let Sadie collect leaves for a collage.

She came back holding a bright red one and told her father it looked like a star.

He held it to the light, examining every vein as though it were an intricate anatomical diagram.

She rolled her eyes and accused him of being too scientific.

“I’m trying to appreciate its structure,” he said.

“It’s a leaf, Daddy.

You can just like it.”

I laughed so hard that I spilled tea on the blanket.