He captured the black, yellow and white striped caterpillar on a branch in the yard. He put it in the empty peanut butter jar he had prepared, with blades of fresh grass lining the bottom. Matt closed the clear cage with the jar’s lid, pierced in multiple places by an ice pick. In time, the creature wrapped itself in a shiny green chrysalis, attached to the underside of the lid. Some days later, as the chrysalis split, the Monarch appeared—forcing its way out of its pupal purgatory revealing its beautiful new self. As Matt unscrewed the lid, the still awakening butterfly stepped onto his hand. Unfurling its long tongue, it tasted his finger as if a flower. After this brief encounter with Matt, it flew on to enjoy its new life.