Freeing the Glider

The massive slab of dark shale refused to budge from the canvas opening until I wedged my snout beneath its tapered rim. Click. Bracing both hind footpads against the rubber edge of the doormat, I tugged firmly with my jaws. The wide stone slid forward with a dry, gritty scrape, tipping gently onto the woven runner. I backed off two paces, tilting my neck sideways to inspect the prize under the hall light. Long, slender rib-spars radiated outward from the tiny fossil spine like petrified pine needles. Shoving the heavy canvas strap aside with my shoulder, I tapped the rock edge to ensure it rested secure.