A Pinch of Lavender

I stepped outside and strolled along the sidewalk until the dry, aromatic scent of herbs drew me into a quiet local apothecary. Tucked behind a row of glass jars on a low wooden counter, I spotted an empty amber glass vial and a stray brass specimen spoon. Resting nearby were several dried lavender florets that had tumbled from a canvas sack. With slow, gentle paws, I scooped three tiny purple buds onto the shallow spoon bowl and carefully tipped them through the vial's narrow rim. They settled at the bottom with a quiet rustle, capturing a tiny pocket of calming scent.