A Path of Stones

I pushed past the screen door into the afternoon air and stepped down onto the edge of the garden walkway. Ahead stretched a wide expanse of pale gray pebbles, each rounded and settled into fine grit. To cross safely, I selected a series of broad, flat slate chips embedded along the margin. I tested each stone with the toe of my shoe before transferring my weight, ensuring it did not wobble or roll. Step by step, I charted a solid, unyielding corridor three feet across the gravel without losing my footing once.