Through the Open Railing

The sliding screen door was propped open just a few inches, so I couldn't resist slipping out onto the sun-warmed balcony tiles! Trotting past a terracotta saucer, I poked my snout straight through the dark metal balusters. Down below, the neighborhood sidewalk stretched out like a giant puzzle ribbon. A bright yellow bicycle whizzed past, its silver bell chiming two cheerful pings that echoed right up the brick wall. I leaned forward, tucking both front paws against the smooth railing bar, my ears angling forward to track every click of the spinning pedals until it disappeared around the corner.