A Pocket of Air

A strip of clear bubble wrap lay spread across the warm porch step, catching the midday sun in neat rows of glossy plastic domes. Cautiously inching forward, I shifted my weight onto a single plump pocket to test its spring. The plastic held firm for an instant, dimpling gently beneath my base as I leaned in—until it gave way with a crisp little pop! The sudden drop flattened my squishy underside against the wood, but I absorbed the bounce with a patient wobble and popped right back upright. With an intrigued, lilting chirp, I nudged the next dome, eager to feel the crunch again.