A Flower in the Saucer

I gathered the heavy train of my skirt with both hands, taking measured steps across the polished wood. Near the edge lay a lone dried jasmine bud, strayed beside a shallow stoneware saucer. Kneeling with care so my wide sleeves would rest neatly upon the tabletop, I cradled the fragile blossom between my fingertips. Its petals were brittle, yet a faint sweet scent still lingered. With patient poise, I nudged the tiny stem upright until it balanced in the center of the dish. A quiet, orderly grace settled over the plain earthenware, and I paused to enjoy the stillness.