Mascot Scouting

Two blocks down from the transit bench, I marched straight up to a bright red Little Free Library box mounted on a weathered cedar post. I scrambled onto the lower wooden ledge, grabbed the small brass pull, and yanked until the magnetic latch released with a crisp clack! The glass-paned door swung wide, releasing a rich scent of aged paper. Right between two heavy hardcovers sat an illustrated pocket nature guide. Bracing my cleats against the painted shelf, I tucked my football under my left wing and used my wingtip to flip a glossy page. A striking, full-color spread of soaring hawks flashed under the midday light. Flawless mascot scouting!