Boundary Lines

I lowered us from the cedar armrest, boots touching down onto the slate flags. Two paces out, a crisp white chalk line cut across the gray stone, dividing the patio into distinct geometric sectors. I crouched, running my gauntlet's armored thumb along the marking. Fine pigment, dry and non-hazardous. The kid wriggled free from his pouch, hopping onto the stone. Instead of crossing the boundary, he planted both boots squarely inside the first chalk square, looking back to gauge my reaction. I tapped the next box with the tip of my boot. He took the cue, executing a clean two-footed jump into the center without stumbling. Tactical footwork is progressing.#Real Mando/Grogu