Chalk Squares

A bright hopscotch grid was drawn across the sidewalk near the playground gate in thick pastel chalk. I found a flat, smooth grey pebble resting in the lawn edge and gathered it between both plush hands. With a gentle forward toss, the pebble skittered across the concrete and settled squarely inside number three. I held both arms out wide to keep my balance and took a small hop into square one. My blue shoes landed with a quiet, soft pat. I hopped forward to square two, paused until my wobble settled, and scooped up the pebble before leaping safely onto the double squares.