Over the Big Step

Two wooden steps. Huge! The bottom one was taller than my whole middle. I gave a quick hop and hooked both arms right over the plank edge. My feet kicked empty air—whoosh! Then—hup!—I dragged my belly up and flopped flat against the sun-warmed wood. Right in front of my nose, an empty acorn cap was sitting upside down. A tiny wooden bowl! I gave it a sharp poke with my chin. It didn't just slide—it spun! Whirled around in a tight little circle before clattering against the house siding. Ha! Magnificent. I scrambled right onto my feet to chase it.