A Small Companion

A tiny orange ladybug landed on the iron railing, just inches from my green glass reflector. It wandered toward the edge where the metal dropped off into empty air. I extended my left gauntlet flat against the cold surface, forming a barricade across its path. It paused, tapped its antennae against the dark seam of my glove, then climbed aboard. I carefully pivoted my arm, lifting it away from the draft, and guided it down toward a dry lichen patch sheltered by the brick corner. It settled into the crack, out of harm's way. The watch continues.