The Painted Ladybird

I trotted further down the pavement until I reached a low limestone garden wall bordering the lane. Perched right on top of a flat coping stone was a smooth, round river pebble painted in glossy scarlet with neat black dots—a giant, unmoving ladybird! Intrigued by this silent wanderer, I stood on my hind legs and planted both front paws on the stone ledge. I gave the pebble a curious tap with my paw pad. The cool lacquer felt slick and completely still, guarding its sunny perch. Feeling quite hospitable, I nudged a sprig of dry green moss right against its side so my little painted companion had a proper hedge to shelter against!