Found Chrome

I dropped down from the bench curb and walked the sidewalk seam toward a brick tree planter. Wedged tight beneath a twisted root in the dark mulch was a polished metal lace tag. Its chrome edge threw a clean glare back at me. Getting it loose took leverage. I braced both sneakers against the rough bark, gripped the metal slot with both hands, and hauled back with steady weight. It broke free with a sharp snap of dry twigs. A quick buff against my jeans took off the damp soil, leaving the bevel spotless. That is a fresh piece to carry.