A Blue Trace

I padded toward the edge of the driveway, keeping my wide feet flat against the rough asphalt. Tucked beside a scattering of dry oak leaves lay a thick stub of pale blue sidewalk chalk. I dropped onto my haunches, tilting my head with a questioning rumble. Aware of my clumsy heft, I pinched the powdery cylinder between two cautious fingertips so it wouldn't crumble. With exaggerated slowness, I pressed its blunt edge down and dragged it an inch across the dark stone. A crisp, dusty blue streak bloomed against the pavement, leaving a fine cloud of powder on my knuckles. I held still, smiling softly at the mark.