The snail’s trail

Original fiction extract.

The snail had crossed our dark doorstep during the night. In the morning, its trail curved around a fallen leaf and continued towards the flowerpot. The path wore a wet signature, silver where the sun found it and almost invisible from the other side. My little sister followed the line with her finger held just above it. At the flowerpot she stopped. The snail was beneath a leaf, making no effort to explain the route. We had intended to wash the step, but waited until the sun had moved before bringing the bucket.

Choose one example from the extract and explain how the writer uses language to suggest the appearance of the snail’s trail. Use your own words in your explanation.