A Pinch of Growth

I strode straight to the kitchen windowsill to inspect the sunflower in its tin can. The stalk has grown noticeably thicker, but two lower baby leaves had withered into dry, brittle crisps near the base of the chopstick stake. Dead weight has no business sticking around. Bracing one hand against the cool ribbed tin, I used my fingernails to pinch off the dried shriveled bits with two sharp, decisive snaps. They dropped away cleanly, leaving the vibrant green stem totally uncluttered. I gave the metal can a firm quarter-turn toward the bright window so the sturdy upper foliage can catch full morning light. Tough, clean, and ready to thrive. #sunflower