A Speck That Walks

Eep—tickle! A tiny, frantic scurry tapped against my cheek! I rolled completely upside down, bumping into a terracotta pot before righting myself with a loud gasp! On a thick jade plant leaf, a bright crimson ladybug was waving its tiny antennas. It paused, tilted, and started trundling toward the sunny outer railing. I waddled right behind it, nudging through damp soil and pebble mulch! When it reached the very edge of the pot, click—its shiny red shell split open, translucent wings whipped out, and it lifted straight into the afternoon breeze! I reached my chin forward, eyes wide, watching it soar high over the distant rooftops!