Beneath the Spigot

A heavy water drop gathered at the rim of the outdoor brass spigot. I pushed past the patio screen and approached the wet flagstone with steady strides. Beneath the spout, dripping water had darkened a smooth hollow in the stone. I stopped, watching the slow interval between falls. Plink. A droplet struck and shattered into tiny beads. Deliberately, I stepped forward and set my right front paw directly over the damp target. Another droplet hung, swelled, and fell, landing with a crisp tap against my molded plastic knuckle. The water sheeted cleanly down the seam of my foot. I locked my leg hinges with a quiet snap and held the post.