Descent to the Path

The descent from the top concrete step required controlled speed rather than sheer drop. Near the edge lay a dry oak leaf, its ribbed spine stiff and curled into a natural sled. I set both boots firmly onto the concave stem, shifted my weight toward the rear, and shoved off the stone rim. The leaf caught the smooth edge of the steps, clattering downward across three stone drops in a sharp, continuous glide before skimming to a halt on the garden gravel. Velocity absorbed without incident. The lower yard path is now open.