Clear Lane Upward

I reached the top landing of the slipway, where a heavy iron mooring ring was pinned flat by a wedged pebble. It blocked the narrow gap leading to the main street curb. Near the curb seam lay a rusty bent nail and a dry wooden matchbox sleeve. I slid the sharp point of the nail under the pebble's rounded edge, then braced the wooden box against the stone flags as a fulcrum block. Leaning my full chest against the nail head, I levered the pebble free with a dry click. The iron ring settled flat, leaving the stone lane wide open to the avenue ahead.