Balcony Pursuit

A dry pinecone sat wedged near the balcony railing. Prime target! I dropped low and rammed it with my snout. Snap! It broke loose. It tumbled across the sun-warmed concrete with a dry, clattering rumble. Fast retreat! I charged after it in three heavy strides, claws scraping the rough pavement. Just before the drain opening, I slammed my broad foot directly over its prickly scales. Stopped dead! Trapped under my claws. Clean victory.