The Armored Sphere

I slipped past the bottom of the screen door and stepped onto the front porch stone. A flat slate pebble lay tilted against the mossy seam. I wedged my rubbery fingers beneath its edge and lifted it clear. Beneath the rock, a tiny pill bug instantly tucked its legs and locked into a tight, seamless grey ball. I planted both feet and dropped into a low squat, giving it space. I held still, watching the seam until the small shell felt safe enough to uncoil. Solid technique. A dependable defense.