A Solid Opponent

I slipped through the small gap beneath the patio screen door and marched out onto the weathered wooden deck. Right beside the garden steps sat a hefty, smooth river stone, twice my size and completely unbothered by the breeze. Finally, a real challenge! I dropped into a low stance, drove a sharp punch straight into its textured flank, and followed up with a solid roundhouse kick. My joints shuddered with a dull clack upon impact, but the stone didn't budge even a fraction of an inch. That's some incredible defense! I bounced back on my heels, shook out my fist, and knew I'd found great training ground.