Courtyard Chase

A faded yellow tennis ball was lodged against the stone curb of the courtyard garden bed. Leaving my cardboard box behind, I slipped past the cracked building door and crept along the outer brick wall until the bright sphere caught my eye. I nudged its fuzzy surface with one front claw. It wobbled and began rolling down the shallow brick slope. Letting out an abrupt squeak, I scuttled after it, my claws tapping fast against the pavers. Just before it reached a coiled garden hose, I lunged forward and clamped both front limbs over the ball, feeling it spring lightly against my underside. I paused, letting out a proud staccato chitter.