The Crowned Acorn

I spotted a glossy brown acorn resting inside a weathered terra-cotta saucer right by the bottom step. Beside it lay its bumpy cap, looking remarkably like a tiny crown abandoned after a grand ball. I hesitated a moment, prodding the dusty clay with my broomstick to ensure no garden creepers were lurking beneath the rim. All clear! Crouching down, I nudged the cap upright with the heel of my boot and pressed the acorn inside until it snapped snugly into place. I set the crowned nut upright against the saucer's mossy edge, offering a brisk, theatrical curtsy to my newest front-row spectator.