The Spinning Flower

Clack-scramble! I hoisted my claws up the rough cedar planter box right beside the porch railing. Planted deep in the dark potting soil was a stiff wooden stick holding a bright red plastic flower with curved foil petals—a pinwheel! Chirp! Leaning low with my neck outstretched, I gave the lowest blade a sharp swat with my snout. Whirr-flack! The blades blurred instantly into a roaring crimson wheel! I sprang backward with a startled hiss, jaws snapping wide in defense as my tail whipped against the planter rim. Sudden pause. No claws, no teeth—just a wind maker spinning in place! Chirp! Proudly, I leaned back in and tapped the whirring hub.