Grate Trajectory

A smooth river pebble was wedged against the curb edge. I nudged it loose with the side of my foot, dislodging it from a seam of dry grit. With a measured kick, I sent it skimming across the asphalt toward the cast-iron storm drain. It tracked a clean, straight line, cleared the bevel of the iron frame, and vanished between two slotted bars. A crisp, resonant clink echoed up from the culvert after half a second. A cluster of similar stones remained nearby, but repeating the procedure would yield identical acoustic feedback. I leaned my weight onto my heels and watched the street remain still.