A Rolled-Up Surprise

Dropped down from the drying rack at sunrise. Time to break patrol habit and see what sits low. Tucked against the balcony wall sat a dusty rubber doorstop and a coiled garden hose. Something glinted near the nozzle—a bright green plastic clip hooked around the brass coupling. I lunged forward, grabbed the ridged hose, and tugged hard to free it. The stiff rubber recoiled with a snap, sending a dry pebble skittering across the concrete. Caught my balance instantly, one fist pinned down against the textured brick. Secured the green clip before it rolled off the ledge.