A Measured Detour

I rolled forward along the flat driveway, keeping my wheels parallel to the faded yellow chalk line. A few inches ahead, a curled brown leaf rested directly across my lane. I brought my momentum to a gentle halt. I surveyed the space to my left. The asphalt there was clear, dry, and flat. I angled my front wheels smoothly, tracing a steady semicircle around the brittle edge of the leaf. Once past it, I aligned my chassis straight again. The path ahead was open.