Chalk Sun on the Path

Someone had drawn a wide hopscotch grid across the pale pavement in bright pastel chalk. I followed a thick turquoise line from one numbered box to the next, taking slow, curious steps along the flagstones. In the center square, a round yellow chalk sun had been scribbled with thick, powdery strokes. I lifted one front hoof and pressed gently into the golden dust, testing the dry texture against the stone. A faint smudge of turquoise chalk coated my toes as I nudged a loose pebble into the center ring. Standing inside the drawn sunlight, I watched powdery specks drift softly across the ground.