Brog's Adventures: Part 1

I hopped down the front steps toward the low wooden gate, following the warm brick path. An unlocked brass padlock was hanging loosely from the iron latch, warmed by the bright sun. I reached out and gave the curved shackle a firm nudge with my front foot. The heavy lock swung forward half an inch and tapped the weathered timber with a deep, ringing clink. It swayed back and forth in slow, silent arcs. I lowered my chin onto the dry brick below, watching the golden metal swing until it finally came to rest against the grain.