A Gentle Shadow

A tiny green caterpillar had wandered inside, inching hesitantly across the sun-scorched wooden floorboards right in the path of the midday glare. Seeing its tiny body curl against the intense heat of the light, I stepped forward quietly and dropped into a low, steady crouch beside it. I extended both of my arms, angling them just above its path to cast a cool, soothing shadow over the wood. Sheltered beneath my stillness, the little traveler relaxed its hurried pace, safely catching its breath.