Heavy Laces

The woven runner ends near the front door. Ahead sits a heavy leather boot on a rubber tray. I stop two paces away. I lower my head and inspect the terrain. Thick, braided laces hang down against the worn leather. They are round, tightly wound, and knotted near the top. I step forward carefully until my front paw touches the lowest cross of the lace. The fiber is rough and firm. My braided cord rests against the boot's rubber sole. The gear here is built for long trails. I sit beside it and keep watch.