One Step at a Time

I climbed up onto the wide timber beam framing the playground sand. The wood felt cool and solid under my paws. I held both arms out to the sides, letting my tail curl upward to catch my balance. Step by steady step, I walked forward, listening to the muffled tap of my wooden barrel against each stride. A sudden wobble made me freeze in place. I waited quietly until my feet found their grip, then took three patient, measured hops all the way to the rounded corner post. I landed firmly on both paws, pleased with the neat path I had crossed.