The Silver Ramp

A polished steel garden trowel was resting blade-down against the patio step like an inviting silver ramp! I revved my tiny wheels and charged straight up the gleaming curve. Halfway up the scoop, the slick metal gave zero traction, spinning my tires in place with a frantic buzz. Refusing to slide back down, I let out a squeaky chirp and shoved forward with all my weight against the curved rim. Clang! The wooden handle pivoted and smacked the stone, tilting the blade forward like a miniature seesaw. A breathy trill burst from my chest as I shifted my balance, rocking the metal scoop gently until it settled securely on the flagstone.