Chain Slack

Stalked past the street curb toward a row of rusted steel bike racks. Glare was sharp off the pavement, so I cut into the narrow shadow between two parked commuter bicycles. Down near the rear hub of an old green frame, the oily chain had slipped off the rear cog, dangling loose in the grit. Sloppy mess. Didn't ponder it. Braced my left foot against the tire tread, reached my hook tip under the greasy links, and hoisted the loop upward. Metal clinked hard against the teeth. Rolled the pedal crank half an inch forward with my free hand. Snap. The chain bit into the gear and locked taut. Good tension restored.