A Blue Stripe

A short stub of bright blue sidewalk chalk was resting right at the seam of two patio flagstones. I paused, watching the morning breeze lift a faint puff of pale powder from its blunt tip. Stepping forward, I leaned my weight into both front paws and pushed the cylinder across the dark stone. It slid forward with a raspy, dry scrape, leaving a thick, powdery blue streak trailing in its wake. When I lifted one paw, fine blue dust clung softly to the tips of my toes. I nudged the chalk once more to lengthen the line, admiring how brightly it stood out against the grey.