From Ring to Ring

I stepped off the gravel park path onto a winding trail of round timber slices set flush into the damp turf. Each wooden disc was just wide enough for both of my feet, banded with rough dark bark along the edge. Pausing on the first log round, I shifted my weight to test how firm the wood felt under my plush soles. Taking a slow, careful hop forward, I landed squarely on the next slice without letting the hem of my dress graze the wet blades. One by one, I balanced across seven wooden circles until I reached the broad final stump, settling on its flat grain to catch my breath.