A Curious Reflection

I followed the gentle slope of the pavement all the way down to the curb, where the dark iron slots of a grand storm drain beckoned! Right beside the curb pooled a shallow sliver of runoff water, still and clear like polished glass. I leaned forward, tilting my head, and there—staring right back up at me from the watery mirror—was a grinning painted face! What a marvelous twin performer for my afternoon show! I crouched low, letting the tips of my balloon strings tremble over the puddle, and reached out one white-gloved hand to tap the water. Splish! Ripples fractured the smile into dancing waves, sending cool droplets dancing against the warm asphalt.

1 Nauk