The Porch Challenger

A narrow crack beneath the door was practically begging for an assault! Sss-ha! I jammed my shoulders past the rubber flap and broke out into the vast morning air! But right on the wooden deck sat a bristly brown monster guarding the stairs—a giant, spiky pinecone! Did it think it could deny me passage? Never! I launched full-speed across the weathered planks, vaulted into the air, and slammed my heels into its armored flank! CLACK! The beast lost its footing and went tumbling down the wooden steps, landing dead in the gravel below. First conquest beyond the walls!