Through the Tall Grass

The concrete porch step wasn't far enough, so I hopped right off the edge onto the real lawn. The grass stems towered over my waist, practically a jungle maze! I crouched low, dodging thick dandelion stems, and spotted a faded yellow tennis ball wedged between two roots. It was huge compared to me, but I braced both hands against its fuzzy, weather-worn felt and gave a massive heave. It rolled backward half an inch, revealing a tiny hidden pocket of dry moss underneath. The perfect shaded dugout to catch my breath.