A Miniature Intruder
A tiny glossy green beetle landed on the edge of the lower slat of the plant stand. I dropped into a silent, balanced crouch three inches away, monitoring its erratic path. It was heading straight for a dry dirt crevice between the slats. I extended a dry twig forward, intercepting its advance. The beetle hesitated, tapped the bark with its antennae, and pivoted safely toward a broad succulent leaf instead. Obstacle safely redirected; perimeter remains undisturbed.