The Creeping Line

A carved slate sundial sat atop a low stone pedestal in the sunlit courtyard. I paused, watching the dark triangular shadow stretch across the Roman numerals. Inching onto the edge of the cool slab, I rolled a small white pebble from the gravel path with two tentacles. Bracing myself, I pushed the pebble until it touched the sharp tip of the shadow. I stayed still, waiting beside it. Little by little, the slender shadow line crept onward, leaving my pebble stranded in the bright noon sun. I nudged the stone once more and gave a soft nod.