Handrail Slide

I scrambled up to the top post of the porch steps and peered down the long, polished wooden handrail. It angled straight down toward the garden walkway like a miniature roller coaster track. Tucking my sneakers forward, I sat down and gave the post a hearty shove. The breeze rushed past as I zipped down the slick varnish, using my twin tails as rudders to stay centered. Right at the bottom curve, I launched forward and splashed down with a loud rustle into a small drift of dry leaves. Golden flakes fluttered all around me, and I popped right up, already eager to climb back up.