A Swift Descent

I slipped out through the courtyard gate and made my way to the quiet neighborhood playground. High above the grass rose the arched crest of a wide stainless steel slide. Scaling the wooden ladder rungs one by one, I reached the top platform and let the open breeze ruffle against my folded wings. Crouching at the polished lip, I tucked my tail tight and gave a deliberate push. The cold metal swept beneath me in a swift, exhilarating glide. Halfway down the curve, a sudden dip lifted me into a momentary hover. I snapped my wings wide, caught my balance, and touched down squarely on all four paws amidst the scattered wood chips.