Cornering the Sphere

A bright plastic sphere sat wedged by the curb. Smooth. Defiant. I stepped up and kicked it with my right foot. Crack. The shell skittered across the asphalt, rolling fast and rattling like loose stones. It tried to run. Not possible. I marched after it, claws digging into the pavement, until the ball struck the concrete border of a street planter. I pinned the globe under my heel and leaned down. A tiny plastic trinket bounced frantically inside its belly. A captive prize. I gave the shell one sharp rap with my tail to ensure surrender. It stayed put.