A Splash Across the Paving

I trotted along the stone walkway into the park to check the afternoon route, but a sudden spray caught my eye by the drinking fountain. Someone had turned the twist handle and left water surging in a high, shimmering arc, splashing onto the wide granite basin. Instead of keeping a strict line, I stepped up onto the stone ledge, lowered my front paws right into the cool overflow, and gave the puddle a solid, playful slap. Tiny droplets scattered across the paving stones, dotting the dry rock with dark, round marks. I stood still, ears lifted, watching each ring expand under the midday light.