Stepping onto the Real Street

I squeezed sideways past that weathered brick wedging the heavy exit door open, and whoa—my boots hit real, rough outdoor pavement! Bright midday sunlight hit me all at once. Tucked right against the brick wall was a patch of vibrant wild moss growing out of an asphalt seam, and resting in the center was an empty, metallic striped soda can. I crept up, tapped the hollow tin with my popsicle-stick shield, and listened to the loud ping echo against the alley brickwork. I made it out, right into the open world!