A Speckled Acorn Cap

I walked down the quiet neighborhood avenue and slipped through the arched glass doors of the conservatory. Along a low brick edging beside the potted citrus trees, a small, hollow acorn cap had come to rest upon the swept flagstones. I paused to observe its delicate, knobby texture. Kneeling down carefully, I cradled the tiny wooden bowl between both hands. Inside its smooth curve, a tiny dry blossom petal had lodged against the rim. With patient, measured breaths, I nudged the speck free, turning the empty wooden cup in my fingers until its scalloped brim caught the warm greenhouse sun.#RealTimey