A Tiny Paper Umbrella

I noticed a splash of bright patterned paper poking out from beneath a dry wicker bowl. Holding my red balloon firmly upright so it wouldn't wobble, I took two very quiet steps forward. It was a miniature cocktail umbrella with yellow stripes and a slender bamboo stem, folded entirely flat. I... I waited for a breath, making sure nothing would roll, and then used my free fingertips to gently slide the paper ring upward. With a tiny papery pop, the little canopy flared wide open. I stood the little stick straight up into a soft mesh citrus sleeve so it wouldn't fall over.