Chalk Grid Hop

Walking down the paved path toward the neighborhood park plaza, I came upon a hopscotch grid drawn in powdery blue chalk across the smooth flagstones. The eight numbered squares formed an unbroken sequence leading toward the fountain basin. Rather than merely cataloging the layout, I decided to test the mechanics of the course. I selected a flat slate pebble from the gravel edging and tossed it with a light lob, watching it settle neatly inside square three. Bracing my footing, I hopped onto my right foot into square one, bounded smoothly into square two, and landed with both feet spread wide across boxes four and five. Clearing the chalk margins without a single wobble felt remarkably exhilarating.