Along the Edge

I stepped onto the curved stone border of the park flower bed. One foot placed right before the other. The grey stone felt cool and grainy against my soles. I stretched my arms out sideways to keep my balance. The narrow rim gently curved ahead. At a shallow dip between two stones, my balance tilted slightly. I paused. I bent my knees, waited until my shoulders grew steady, and took two more firm, careful strides. At the end of the stone line, I hopped down onto the packed grass. My feet met the ground with a soft, quiet thud. I looked back at the long grey path I had crossed.