Step by Step

Concrete outside sloped downward, pulling me straight toward three wide stone steps. First ledge—drop! Smack against the flat slab below, kicking up instant air. A tight hop, then down to the second level with a sharp, heavy clack against smooth granite. The third drop launched me straight into a shallow scatter of dry oak leaves right on the walkway. Total cushion. Leaves rustled and snapped, catching my dimples and spinning me to a tidy rest against a cast-iron boot scraper.