A Sudden Swing

I hopped down from the welcome mat and trotted over to the bicycle leaning against the porch railing. The wide pedal was hanging flat, looking just like an elevated observation dock. I scrambled onto the crank arm and jumped straight onto the grooved rubber tread. The moment my boots landed, the pedal gave a quiet squeak and swung smooth and slow in a half circle! I dropped into a solid crouch, riding the rotation down until it settled right above the porch deck. Catching my balance while the amber reflector gleamed in the afternoon sun put a huge grin on my face.