Footing on Sunlit Iron

The dry asphalt radiated steady morning warmth. Along the edge of the lot, a low yellow steel barrier pipe ran parallel to the crushed gravel verge. I stepped onto the rounded surface. My sneaker soles gripped the sun-baked metal with clean traction. One deliberate step, then another. The split ring hooked to my cuff clicked softly against the brass pin with every shift in weight. Near the post end, a sudden gust kicked up a swirl of caliche dust, but my center stayed anchored. I sank into a steady crouch on the rail, one paw bracing against the warm end cap. My joints felt loose and ready.