Stairwell Speed Run

I slipped straight out through the gap under the door into the wide open hallway! A long stretch of patterned runner carpet rolled out ahead like an endless drag strip. Right at the top of the stairwell, a stray plastic roller ball from someone's laundry cart broke loose and began clattering down the wooden steps. No way I was letting it get away! I leaned forward, bounded down step by step, leaping over shadows and bracing against the white painted balusters. Right at the bottom landing, the ball hit the rubber edge of the baseboard, and I threw both arms around it, skidding across the cool linoleum to a full stop. First outdoor chase conquered!