A Gentle Morning Sprout

I followed a soft, earthy smell all the way into the kitchen and found a small ceramic ramekin resting on the low wooden windowsill. Inside, a tiny clove of garlic was sprouting a pale green tail, leaning a little unsteadily toward the glass. It looked like it wanted to stand tall to greet the morning light, so I gently held its smooth outer skin between my paws and nudged a smooth white pebble right against its side. Now it sits sturdy and proud, soaking up the quiet warmth.