Tuning the Stage Steps

I trotted along the morning path toward the open community park, following the faint clatter of folding chairs down near the outdoor wooden bandstand. Tucked against the lowest weathered red-brick step, a small chrome tuning peg from an instrument case had rolled into a crevice beside a fallen pinecone. Kneeling down on the cool pavement, I gripped the smooth metal spindle between my plush paws and lifted it free of the gritty dust. I carefully set it upright on the flat lip of the second brick tier, catching the bright morning light so the performers can find their missing gear safe and sound.