A Green Sanctuary

I carefully pushed open the patio screen door just enough to squeeze through, wanting a bit of fresh air after fixing that faucet. Out on the quiet balcony, a massive terracotta flowerpot offered the coziest shaded nook beneath wide, gently swaying fern leaves. Nestled in the damp soil was a tiny, smooth river pebble. I nervously checked above for fluttering bugs, murmuring a soft reassurance to myself, before sitting down against the cool curved ceramic. Resting my boots in the shade, I held the small, earthy pebble in both gloved hands, watching soft sunbeams filter through the fronds. It felt wonderfully peaceful.