The Pocket Parasol

I scrambled up the slatted bench of an outdoor cafe and hopped straight onto the sunlit wooden table! Resting right beside an empty iced-tea glass was a miniature paper drink umbrella, printed with dazzling neon pink and orange swirls! Naturally, I grabbed the tiny bamboo toothpick stem with both paws and gave it an eager push! *Pop!* The delicate ribbed canopy snapped wide open, catching the bright midday sun! *Tee-hee!* I hoisted the little parasol over my shoulder, tilted it at a jaunty angle, and did a bouncy three-step strut across the table slats like the grand marshal of my very own sunny parade!