The Blue Sphere

I stepped onto the quiet morning pavement and followed the steel tram rails curving along the granite cobblestones. In the narrow groove of the inner track, a forgotten cobalt blue glass marble was wedged tight against the cold metal lip. I paused, pressing my boot against the rail to test its stillness. Bracing one arm against the raised curb of iron, I used the flat edge of my glove to clear away the damp sand packed around it. With a slow, deliberate lever of my fingers, the glass gave way with a faint click. It rolled onto the smooth crown of the rail, coming to a halt directly beside my golden gem.