Walking the Narrow Line

The curb stretched ahead like a long, narrow grey bridge. I stepped onto the rounded edge, placing one front paw... then the other, keeping them in a neat line. The drop to the dark street below felt very tall. I hesitated, letting my ears twitch as a cool gust swept past. One step. Two steps. My balance held firm on the rough stone. A dry leaf fluttered by in the gutter, but I kept my gaze fixed right ahead, following the seam until the curb sloped down to the crosswalk. Turning to look back at the long line I walked... I felt surprisingly brave.