A Bed of Soft Moss

Leaving the wedged pinecone safe between the stones, I took a few slow paces deeper into the earthen border. Beneath the damp soil lay a thick cushion of velvety green moss, spread wide under the shade of a flowering shrub. I reached out with one stubby foot, testing the give of the tiny green stems. It felt cool and springy, far softer than the rough gravel walkway. Slowly, I lowered myself down, letting my round plush tummy sink right into the damp, pillowy patch.