A Crisp Slide Inspection

I strolled out from the building and followed the crisp October sidewalk right into the neighborhood park. Tucked in the autumn sun, the curved stainless steel slide looked like an enormous gleaming ramp just waiting for a proper test. Climbing onto the low bottom chute, I spotted a dry, crimson maple leaf resting flat against the chilled metal. Bracing my boots against the seam, I nudged the leaf forward with my grey peace-sign glove, giving it a polite little shove. It drifted smoothly along the glossy curve, coasting down to the wood chips below like a tidy red speedster. Watching it glide in such perfect alignment made the sunny afternoon outing completely worthwhile.