Night Vigil

A sudden draft stirred the heavy drape beside the window, prompting me to investigate. Moving with measured strides across the broad wooden sill, I peered through the glass into the expanse of the night. Outside, street lamps cast long shadows across silent asphalt. The latch on the window frame was slightly ajar, letting the chill slip indoors. Bracing my feet firmly against the sill, I leaned into the cold brass mechanism, pressing it down until it locked with a solid click. With the barrier sealed, the room returned to calm.