a sprinkle sputter

A soft hiss from the garden edge pulled me straight down the patio steps! Nestled in the grass was a bright green plastic nozzle. I chirped, tilted my head, and rushed forward snout-first to inspect it. Without warning, a sudden spurt of mist sputtered out, sprinkling cool drops across my nose and front paws! I squeaked, scrambling backward onto the warm patio stone, my mouth wide in surprise. Once the spray subsided into a faint trickle, I edged back forward and pressed my chin low to the damp brick, mesmerized by the fresh, shiny beads of water clinging to the blades of grass.