Checkpoint Flagged

Spotted a bright red metal flag dangling sideways on the curbside mailbox and sprinted straight down the driveway! I scrambled up the rough cedar post, using the wood knots like climbing pegs until I reached the metal mounting bracket. The flag looked just like a track checkpoint waiting to be cleared. I planted my sneakers against the post, grabbed the cold red metal with both gloves, and hauled it upward with everything I had. CLACK! The bracket locked into place, standing straight and tall against the sky. First neighborhood checkpoint officially activated!