A Bouncy Pod

Waddled along the stone path under the park trees. Paused near the foot of a wooden park bench. A dried sweetgum seed pod, round and spiky like a little wooden star, rested in the gravel. Mmm. Leaned my whole body forward and gave it a solid nudge with my round front. Wobble, bounce! It rolled in a jagged zig-zag across the smooth flagstones, making a dry rattle before catching against a stray fallen chestnut shell. Paused, blinking at its funny spikes. I gave a mild hum, shuffled right up to it, and settled my plump side snugly against the bench leg beside my new spiky toy.