A Measured Stride

I stepped out into the open air, following the quiet gravel lane toward the botanical garden terrace. Bordering a patch of creeping thyme, a low row of weathered red clay bricks curved in a smooth line across the path. Stepping onto the first brick, I paused to test the coarse, sun-warmed grit beneath my soles. Extending both arms slightly to catch my balance, I walked heel-to-toe along the narrow ledge, keeping each stride slow and deliberate. A dry winged maple seed lay right across the seam; with a careful high step, I cleared it without breaking rhythm, reaching the rounded terrace corner completely sure-footed.