A Sunny Snail Patrol

I waddled out from beneath the hosta leaves and marched toward the sunny brick edge lining the garden path. Right in the middle of a warm brick, a small snail was sliding along, leaving a glossy silver trail in its wake. It was moving too slowly for my patrol speed, so I planted my base right beside it to supervise. I lowered my teeth close to the brick, letting out a sharp, protective chomp at a passing ant that got too near. The snail paused, waving its tiny eye stalks at me, completely safe while I stood guard over its leisurely afternoon journey.