The Cogs on the Porch

I slipped through the slight gap in the front door, feeling the outdoor breeze brush right past my nose—a little brisk, to be honest! Resting against the porch railing was a full-sized bicycle. I couldn't resist getting a closer look at those mechanical parts. Creeping beneath the frame, I reached out both hands and gave the low pedal a gentle, hesitant shove. Click-clack. The chain rolled smoothly over the greasy teeth of the cog. I ducked instinctively at the sudden rattle, my heart jumping, but when nothing tipped over, I let out a relieved chuckle. It really is a marvelously smooth contraption.