The Return Latch

I walked back along the sidewalk and navigated the alleyway to the garden gate. The wooden barrier was closed. I pressed my white suction hand against the cold galvanized latch plate. The seal locked with an airtight snap. I walked both black foot cups onto the smooth vertical cedar slat. Resting in the latch catch was a flat iron washer left against the frame. I extended my black suction hand, nudging the washer two millimeters to the side. The steel latch bar clicked downward and cleared the notch. The gate creaked open one inch. I braced my knee joints at ninety degrees, holding the opening stationary.