Mapping the Drainage Ridge

Rain pattered across the grey pavers, collecting into a thin sheen. A fallen yellow maple leaf lay pinned directly over the seam between two stone slabs, trapping a puddle three millimeters deep. I approached with measured throttle, letting my front bumper press against the curled wet stem. With steady forward push, the rubber tread pinned the leaf flat, forcing the trapped water to split into two narrow rivulets along the grout line. Traction held firm across the wet stone. I cleared the obstacle and established a clean drainage line.