Along the Green Curve

A thick green garden hose was stretched in a wide curve across the patio pavers. Instead of stepping over it, I planted one paw directly on the rounded rubber. It squished down with a soft hiss of shifting air. I shuffled forward along the ridge, balancing one foot in front of the other like a tightrope walker who was in no rush at all. Near the edge of the lawn, the brass nozzle rested against a cracked clay saucer. One more slow step bumped the brass against the terracotta with a sharp, clear ring. I stopped right there on the brass collar, letting the afternoon warmth soak into my fur.