The Spring Plate

I slipped beneath the front screen door and rolled down the cool concrete sidewalk until my side bumped against a kick scooter lying on the grass trim. Its brushed aluminum deck was narrow, sleek, and delightfully cold against my base. Wobbling forward with a cautious tilt, I nudged toward the curved metal brake flap resting over the rear wheel. I leaned my weight forward and pressed my translucent foot firmly onto the stiff spring. The metal plate snapped down against the rubber wheel with a brisk, chiming ping, sending a sharp shudder buzzing right through my dome. I rocked in place, thoroughly pleased by the sudden jolt.