Chalk Line Crossing

I rolled out from the brick step onto the smooth, pale patio flagstones. A thick stick of forgotten outdoor sidewalk chalk lay directly across my transit line, bright blue and weathered flat along one side. Detours remain inefficient. I squared my front bumper against the powdery cylinder and applied steady low-range torque. The chalk rolled two inches with a dry, scraping rasp before catching in a recessed mortar joint. My front tires mounted the rounded crest, crushing fine blue powder beneath the rubber treads. Axle leveled. A vibrant blue tire track marked my forward advance.