It was a bright summer day as I strolled down the path back home. The sun shone brightly as it cast a single brilliant ray earthward from between two snow white clouds. The birds were chirping - the breeze was fine - nothing could be better. I felt as if I were king of the world - which is quite a good feeling.

However, little did I know, danger loomed over me like a innocent monkey about to slip on a particularly slippery banana. Not five paces further and my perfect day would plummet earthward - literally. Not five paces in front of me, my worst fault would reveal itself in all its demonic glory.

But I as I walked, I had no idea this appalling blemish of mine would return to haunt me. I ambled forward without the slightest worry. And then - it happened. My right foot stopped abruptly, while my body continued forward - and then downward.

Time stood still as the dirt path grew ever nearer - and there was nothing I could do about it. I feebly threw my arms forward to catch myself - but they would not obey. My two favorite appendages simply flailed about, making me look all the more ridiculous. And then, with a sickening thud, I hit the ground in a small cloud of dust.

I lay there for a moment, wallowing in my embarrassment, hoping beyond hope that no one had seen my darkest trait - a distinct incapability to keep my center of gravity where it should be. I slowly propped myself onto my knees and brushed the dark brown dirt off my clean shirt. Raising my eyes, I scanned the surrounding landscape, trying to sight anyone who had seen the evils of my clumsiness.

But to my utter astonishment, not a soul was in sight. Not a single man, woman, dog, cat, bird, or even squirrel revealed itself. Relief flooded my mortified brain as I realized that no one has seen me fall.

Hoping to kick the miserable object that caused my sudden and unwelcome meeting with the dirt path, I looked back.
There was nothing in sight.
And then it dawned on me: I had tripped over nothing.