It’s true that spirits can form in nearly any location or from any life source, but I did not expect one to rise from my pile of grass clippings.

We’ve named him Tuss, short for Tussock. Mostly he just lounges there, basking, his mushrooms growing bigger and bigger every day. Sometimes he drags himself on his flipper-like legs into the shade, or out of the rain.

Spirits typically have a purpose; to watch over a forest or lake, to protect an especially magical site, to guide the lost or haunt the wicked. We’re not sure what Tuss does. Maybe he doesn’t do anything. Maybe some power lies in his mushrooms, or maybe they’re just big mushrooms.

Regardless of his real purpose, he’s quite content to clear up our garden and kitchen scraps when offered.