For the past couple of weeks, the city had been sweltering under an unrelentless heatwave, barely eased by the occasional downpours. Only in the last day or two has the temperature finally lowered, settling into a much more pleasant range in the mid-20°Cs.

When I woke up this morning, the ground was still damp, and rain droplets clung to the edge of the patio cantilever. I think the garden is the most beautiful after the rain. The leaves on the plants all looked emerald green and perked up. One plant that captivates me every summer is the Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). The large, fluffy globe-like clusters are in full bloom at the moment. I have four of these classic shrubs in my backyard garden, and I can never get enough of them. They have grown bigger and more lush with each passing year. They are simply stunning. It’s like falling in love every time I see them.

Just as I was dreamily admiring the flowers from behind the window, I was pleasantly surprised to see a young, beige-colored bunny climbing up the two-step wooden staircase that connects my kitchen to the backyard. It was coming straight toward me and we were only separated by a glass door. I couldn’t tell if it didn’t see me because of the reflection, or it simply wasn’t afraid and was politely asking for food.

It was a brief, precious moment that filled me with so much joy watching it sniff around my dried flower clippings and curiously explore my little fairy container garden. I quickly sliced a piece of apple to offer it, but when I turned back, it was gone. I left the apple on the step anyway, just in case it returns.

I’m pretty sure it was the same bunny that visited yesterday evening, happily munching on the grass in my small patch of lawn. I hope it comes back again and again, I’d welcome it every time.