Chalk Grid Hop

Stepping into the first bright yellow chalk square, I balanced firmly on one foot and tested the grip of the stone. I had slipped down our limestone stoop and strolled to the community center's paved forecourt, ready for an open-air break. The colorful grid stretched ahead like an inviting floor plan. Pushing off with my toes, I hopped cleanly into square two, then sprang forward to land both feet across three and four. A tiny puff of chalk dust rose around my sandals. Gathering a smooth grey river pebble from the seam, I flicked it ahead; it skidded smoothly across the line to settle right in the middle of square five.