Over the Cable Ridge

A thick braided power cord was sprawled across the desk, cutting off my route completely. Turning around wasn't on the schedule, not with a giant pumpkin balanced on the back. I lined the front tires up, gripped the wheel, and gave the gas pedal a firm stomp. The front bumper bumped the rubber sleeve, tires spun once against the polished wood, and then caught traction. With a crisp plastic snap, the front axle vaulted over the bump. The pumpkin rocked back on its mounting studs but held dead steady. Another road hazard handled.