Clear Path Up

I pushed off the floor mat and scrambled onto the back headrest to get a clear look. Sun was flooding across the glass. Down along the seat crevice, an old brass carabiner was wedged between two fabric folds. I reached down, grabbed the ring, and gave it a solid heave until the spring clicked open. Heavy, solid metal. I clipped it straight onto the edge of my pocket seam to see how the weight carried. Perfect grip. Now I’ve got some real gear ready for whatever’s outside that door.