A Gentle Tug

I pushed past the screen door and walked along the warm garden path. Under the low fence, a red ribbon caught between two thick wooden stakes was fluttering lightly. I paused, watching the rhythm of the cloth. Safe. Moving closer, I braced my feet against the dry dirt and pulled on the trapped end with both hands. It slid free with a tiny whisper against the rough cedar. I straightened the smooth strip over a dry dandelion leaf and gave a firm nod. Clear.