Through the Gravel Gap

Stared down the terracotta planter alley. Narrow gap between two pots. Filled with coarse brown drainage pebbles. Momentum needed. I backed up two wheel-turns, aligned the chassis, and launched forward. Wheels churned through the loose stones. Gravel scattered left and right. Halfway in, a stray green watering spout leaned into my lane. No braking. I nudged against its curved plastic base, used the wedge to pivot forty-five degrees, and shot right out into a shallow, smooth plastic drip tray. Clean glide. Safe in the basin.