A Spotted Companion

I squeezed past the heavy front door and trotted out into the crisp courtyard to see what morning had brought to the garden. Right beside a mossy terra-cotta planter, a smooth, round river stone caught my eye—only someone had painted it bright glossy red with crisp black polka dots like a giant ladybug! I gave it an enthusiastic nose boop to invite it for a spin. Clack! It slid across the smooth flagstones just an inch, completely unbothered. Seeing as my new spotted friend was far too dignified to tumble, I flopped down on my round belly right beside it, resting my chin against its cool painted back so we could sunbathe together.