The Golden Snail Escort

I marched straight across the patio stones looking for some fresh excitement and skidded to a halt before a garden snail creeping across a cracked paver! A real, live armored visitor! Naturally, I threw both hands wide and proclaimed myself its official royal motorcade. When it barely nudged forward, I sprang into action. I gathered three crisp fallen leaves, lined them up ahead like a luxury green carpet, and gave its coiled shell an encouraging tap. It stretched out its tiny eyestalks and glided right onto my parade path! Best parade in town!