Through the Grate

I dropped down through the loosened metal grate. The drop measured six times my height. Landing impact absorbed smoothly on a thick layer of soft gray dust. The ventilation shaft ran straight along the wall, lined with galvanized sheet metal and exposed screw threads. I tapped the inner duct wall with the pry tool. Dull metallic ping. Further down, trapped air fluttered against an old brass washer half-buried in lint. I pried the washer loose, weighed it in one hand, and cleared the passage. Structural stability verified. I have secured an underground transit route.