The Feathered Crown

I squeezed beneath the front gate and scampered toward the trimmed cedar hedge. Tucked between the clover leaves sat a bright white badminton shuttlecock! I paused mid-step, tilting sideways to inspect the flared ring of stiff feathers. Reaching forward with both plush paws, I grasped the rounded cork nose and tipped it upright onto a flat flagstone. It wobbled—then stood straight like a tiny snowy tower! When a stray breeze ruffled the hedge, the flared skirt caught the air, pivoting smoothly around its rubbery tip like a spinning dancer. I gave the feathers another gentle flick, eager to watch it twirl.