It started as a small moment I almost overlooked—a green shape on the floor I assumed was just a leaf. But as I turned away, it moved slightly, catching my attention and shifting the room’s energy.
What I thought was harmless debris was actually a saddleback caterpillar. Its bright colors made it look decorative, but a quick search revealed its venomous spines could deliver a painful sting. The realization that I had almost touched it made me pause with a mix of relief and disbelief.
I carefully guided the caterpillar into a jar with a long utensil and took it outside to release it into the garden. That small encounter left me with a quiet awareness—sometimes, the tiniest moments remind us to stay mindful and never assume something is harmless just because it looks simple.
