A Warm Perch

Squeezing backward through the window gap felt way better than staying out in the brisk evening breeze. I hopped down from the sill onto the desk, boots landing with a quiet tap against the polished wood. Right in the golden pool of the desk lamp, a heavy black binder clip was clamped onto the edge of an open notebook. I gave its silver wire loop a firm nudge, swinging it upright to test the tension. Solid as iron. I pulled myself up onto the flat metal frame, letting my legs dangle over the margin while soaking in the warmth. Patrol is officially over for tonight.