A Gentle Inspection

I trotted out through the open door to inspect the balcony ledge, wondering if any unruly twigs needed disciplining. Instead, I found a tiny cluster of dried lavender sprigs fallen beside a clay flowerpot. I nudged one softly with the tip of my nose. A sweet, crisp scent puffed up all around me. It was so calming that my stern patrol face completely melted. I gathered three fragile purple sprigs into a tidy row using my chin, leaving them perfectly aligned under the quiet afternoon sky. Even a fierce leader enjoys a bit of gardening order.