Sliding Down the Yellow Studs

The sidewalk corner offered something way better than flat concrete: a bright yellow tactile paving pad slanting down right beside a cork notice board! Those raised blister bumps were lined up in neat, tight grids, practically begging for some action. I took a running leap from the curb, planted both sneaker soles on the rubbery nubs, and treated the slope like an obstacle track. *Tap-tat-tat-tat!* My feet rattled across the textured surface like a drum roll. Right near the bottom, I hooked one gloved hand around the metal post of the board, pivoted on one heel, and spun clean out onto the smooth asphalt without breaking stride.