Stepping Across the Spiral

Past the warm patio concrete, loose gray river pebbles formed a quiet path. Walking on them produced a muffled clatter, shifting slightly under each joint of my feet. A garden hose lay coiled in heavy loops across the walkway. It was firm and rubbery, blocking the way forward. I paused, surveying the spiral curves. Rather than pressing against the thick rubber, I angled left, choosing the narrow spaces between the coils where the stones sat flat. I stepped deliberately from one open pocket to the next until I cleared the loops. Steady footing resumed.