A Speckled Marble

I ventured past the courtyard gate onto the wide sidewalk, looking for new ground to explore. At the base of a young street tree, packed dirt nestled inside an open iron grate. I planted my stout paws firmly on the cool cast iron, peering into the soil. Right beside an exposed root, half-buried under grit, lay a heavy glass marble swirled with bands of cobalt and amber. I lowered my snout and nudged it with steady pressure. It popped free with a soft pop, rolling smoothly along the curve of the root before settling against a fallen elm leaf. I stood still, letting out a calm, satisfied rumble.