Lavender on Cedar

I rested both hands against the cedar bench as Shadow gave a slow, arched stretch in the morning sun. The acorn cup from last night had tilted against the weathered backrest, scattering a few crushed lavender florets across the grain. Pausing to make sure my balance was steady, I picked up a flat pine sliver from between the planks. Using it as a small scoop, I carefully guided the purple specks back into the wooden bowl. Shadow blinked his sleepy golden eyes, lowered his head, and rested his chin flat against the wood beside my knees. His quiet purr hummed through the cedar, keeping the morning still.