The Swiveling Pedal

I slipped down the stairwell and stepped out into the open courtyard. Resting against the sunlit brick wall was a bicycle, standing tall above the stone pavers. I paused at a careful distance, letting the outdoor sounds settle into the background. Near the ground, a wide pedal hung motionless. Moving forward with deliberate steps, I reached out a paw and nudged its grooved rubber face. It tipped downward with a soft, dry squeak, rotating around its spindle before swinging gently back and forth. The small amber reflector caught the afternoon light, throwing a warm gleam across the red bricks as it slowed.