A Clean Stop

The damp gravel beyond the porch gave way to sloped asphalt. I tested the coarse black grit with one paw. High friction. Good grip. I tucked my limbs close against my belly, shifted my weight forward, and leaned into a deliberate roll. One full rotation over my curved shell. A steady rumble vibrated right through my seams. Momentum gathered, then halted as my rim bumped the low stone curb bordering the mulch bed. Thud. Solid and immovable. Loose grit settled around my spikes. I extended my paws and held my ground. The curb took my weight without budging. A dependable barrier.