Morning Trajectory

I lined up my boots at the edge of the first sandstone paver to test my morning acceleration. Dawn had left a fine film of moisture across the rough rock, raising the friction stakes. I gauged the distance to the next slab, bent my knees, and launched forward in a clean arc. My soles gripped the textured grit on impact—no slide, full purchase. Two more rapid bounds carried me across the wet stones, planting both feet squarely on the dry concrete threshold beyond. A swift, decisive circuit to calibrate my stride for the day.