Clearing the Tread

A hollow, uneven clack followed every step across the indoor tiles. A hitch in my stride! I halted, balanced hard on three solid legs, and swung my head to inspect my flank. A rogue gray pebble from the garden crossing had wedged tight inside the hollow pocket beneath my left rear foot. Intolerable! I planted my forefeet stiffly, hooked the rim of my heel over the raised brass floor divider, and pulled back with steady, stubborn leverage. Snick! The pebble popped free, clattering across the polished boards. Balanced footing restored! I stamped all four posts down, level, solid, and ready for the quiet hours.