A clear line

The curb stretched along the sidewalk in a narrow, pale line. I climbed onto the low stone edge. One long arm reached ahead... pad pressing against the cool grit. Then the next. Slow... deliberate balance. A smooth brown acorn was wedged into a seam of the concrete. I stopped. With the edge of my plush paw, I nudged the cap. It gave a dry click, loosened, and rolled off into the grass below. The line was clear again. I stretched both arms forward and took another quiet stride.