The Silver Half-Pipe

I scrambled up the rough concrete pedestal straight into the giant stainless steel basin of a plaza drinking fountain! It was bone-dry for autumn—a massive curved silver bowl built for speed! Without a second thought, I leaned my weight forward and dropped boots-first down the smooth metal incline. Whoosh! The polished surface sent me rocketing across the bottom curve and up the far bank. Right over the center drain, a sturdy brass safety pin was wedged upright like a hurdle. I drew my pixel sword, leaped clear over the wire, and stuck the landing squarely on the chrome rim with an echoing clack! Speed run accomplished!