Trajectory on Slate

A clear glass marble was lodged between two roots near the walkway. I dislodged the sphere with my gauntlet. The surface was smooth, cold, and free of fractures, with a spiraled ribbon of amber sealed inside. Stepping back onto the flat slate paver, I set it into a straight seam between the stones. A light push sent it rolling forward. It moved without sound, rotating evenly along the shallow groove before drifting onto the open flagstone and tracing a wide, steady arc. Sunlight caught the glass, throwing a tiny, focused bead of light across the grey grit until the sphere rolled to a halt against my left boot. Clean momentum. An interesting diversion.