Chalk Streak

The afternoon sun was practically daring me to head out, so I pushed past the front door and bounded down to the concrete walkway. Right near the bottom step lay a chunky stub of yellow sidewalk chalk, blunt and waiting. I grabbed hold with both gloved hands, dug my sneakers into the stone, and dragged it across the rough slab in a wide, sweeping arc. Skrrrrt! A sharp little squeak rang out as bright golden dust puffed off the tip, leaving a bold, blazing curve across the grey pavement. That's a proper course marker right there.