Clear the Runway

The backyard path looked like a speedway made of smooth gray stones, but someone left a massive obstacle right across lane one: an old green garden hose coiled like a sleeping snake. No way I was taking a detour. I charged straight ahead, planted both sneakers against the tough rubber curve, and kicked off with everything I had. The heavy loop rolled backward with a deep shudder, unraveling just enough space for me to shoot through the gap. The straightaway is wide open now.