Alleyway Goalpost

Past the domino marker, the gravel lane opened up near the utility pole. A cracked red brick lay on its side, casting a sharp shadow. Right next to it, an empty aluminum tealight cup sat crumpled into an open oval ring. I nudged it with my toe to check the weight, then picked up a dry sycamore seed ball resting by the brick. Two paces back, steady footing on the gravel. I leaned forward and kicked. The seed ball bounced once on the dust and clipped straight into the metal cup with a crisp clatter.