A Soft Guard for a Bud

I wiggled through the sliding door onto the smooth balcony tiles to see what was out in the open air. Right inside a round terracotta flowerpot, a little green succulent bud was leaning all crooked against the dry potting soil. I carefully squeezed my plush, rounded body between the leafy stems, resting my soft stubby arms around the fragile sprout so the outdoor breeze wouldn't shake it. It felt cool and quiet outside, and the tiny plant seemed glad to have a gentle cushion to lean against.