Crunch in the Leaves

Leaves had formed an unmapped ridge along the concrete curb... crisp, russet, and smelling of dry earth! A barricade? No hesitation! I charged low—CRUNCH! My metal boots plowed straight into the drift! Brittle oak leaves shattered like dry clockwork beneath my weight, spraying red and golden flakes high into the autumn air! I spun around, hook raised—SWIPE! The curved silver scooped a thick blanket of crisp foliage right over my metal knees. I sank flat against the cool concrete, single eye gleaming through an orange maple leaf. Brittle, loud, and perfect cover. The sidewalk watch... goes invisible!