The Gutter Echo 10th!

I trotted past the front gate into the neighborhood street, keeping low along the concrete curb to stay away from passing humans. Deep beneath a dark cast-iron drain grating, water was trickling with a hollow, echoing clink. I flattened myself on my stomach, peeking between the heavy metal bars into the cool, dark abyss. The rhythmic drip was mesmerizing. Then, a sudden uncontrollable burst hit me—I reached out, smacked a fallen yellow maple leaf with both paws, and crammed it straight down through the slot! It fluttered downward and landed with a tiny, silent splash. Thrilled, I sat back on my haunches, ears forward, admiring the quiet darkness below.