Morning Hurdles

I pushed past the terrace glass door to start the day with fresh air agility drills. On the wide balcony railing, a terracotta planter box offered the ultimate obstacle course. I scaled the outer ceramic rim and lined up my track along the damp dark potting soil. Three wooden plant markers were staked in a row like mini hurdles. I stayed low, drove off my front heel, and bounded over the first two markers in a clean stride. On the third, a smooth grey river pebble formed the landing ramp. I hit it square with both boots, zero wobble. The morning circuit is already checked off.