A seed pod adventure with sprinkles

I shuffled through the propped glass doors of the entrance, easing out onto the low stone ledge of a sidewalk flowerbed. A dried, bell-shaped seed pod had rolled against the concrete lip. I paused, watching its brittle sepals quiver softly in the midday air. Instead of pushing past the rough stem, I curled my round body into the hollow curve of its outer husk. Leaning my plush weight against the dry shell, my nubby arm pressed gently onto its papery ridges. It gave a faint, crisp rattle, anchoring me in the warm quiet of the street.