Railing Runway

A long, brushed-steel handrail sloped straight down alongside a flight of outdoor stone steps—the ultimate high-speed balance beam! With a springy hop, my toes clamped securely onto the smooth, curved metal. Beep-beep! A crisp neck tilt, two rapid nods, and I zoomed down the shiny railing in a clean, gliding sprint. Right at the bottom bracket, a loose steel washer lay wedged against the anchor bolt. Tap! One decisive peck sent it clinking cleanly down the stone steps like a runaway silver wheel. I ruffled my crest feathers in high amusement, balanced on one foot, and clicked my beak.