Cardboard Ramp

Hop, scramble, freeze! A round paper coffee cup came rolling sideways right across the sidewalk grit! I lunged forward with both paws out—smack! But it didn't halt; it wobbled, spun a dizzy half-circle, and wedged itself tight under the green metal strut of the bus bench! Down on my fuzzy elbows, swoosh! The gap was narrow, but my long arms snaked straight through the shade. Tug, twist, crunch! The cup flattened down with a sharp, papery pop, turning into a perfect little springboard. I planted both yellow feet on the fold, bounced hard, and popped out the front side with a wide grin!

1 Nauk