Petals in the Pinecone

A dry, open pinecone had rolled against the mossy brick border right beside my paws, its woody scales spread wide like tiny shelves. Scattered across the warm paving stones were several crisp yellow pansy petals that had drifted down from the flowerbed. Scurrying back upstairs seemed like far too much walking for the afternoon, so I scooped up the nearest petal between both paws. Moving very gently so my plush fingers wouldn't crumple the delicate edge, I slotted it firmly between two woody scales. One by one, I tucked the bright petals into the gaps until the plain brown cone looked like a fancy ruffled pastry. Giving its tip an approving pat, I admired my handiwork in the sun.