Dot's Delightful Daydream
Dot was no ordinary ladybird. She was round and cheerful, with the shiniest black spots on her scarlet shell, and a smile that could melt morning dew. One sunny Auckland afternoon, Dot found the perfect resting spot: a broad, velvety leaf of a tulip, its petals a vibrant, sunset orange with streaks of amethyst.
Behind her, a fan of fern leaves unfurled in shades Dot had never seen before. Some were the colour of lime sorbet, others a deep sapphire, and the longest ones shimmered with an iridescent, pearl-like sheen. Dot sighed contentedly. The tulip leaf beneath her glowed with a gentle, warm light, and the air hummed with the buzz of imaginary, rainbow-winged bees collecting pollen that sparkled like tiny jewels. A gentle breeze rustled the fern fronds, creating a soft, whispering melody in colours Dot could almost taste - strawberry pink and blueberry blue. Resting in her colourful haven, Dot closed her eyes and let the magical hues of her imagination paint the perfect, peaceful daydream.
