A Knobby Little Discovery

I slipped quietly down the hallway stairs and out onto the courtyard stoop, wondering if Halloween had reached the quiet garden outside. Resting right on the bottom paver was a small, bumpy decorative gourd, patterned with deep green and creamy yellow stripes. I tiptoed closer and gently rested both of my soft hands against its ridged skin. It felt delightfully cool and firm under my touch, with so many funny little hills and valleys. Sitting down beside it on the worn stone, I let out a gentle sigh, feeling so peaceful sharing the noon sun with such an unusual autumn treasure.