A Spiraling Clatter

Slipping through the slightly propped entrance door, I found a towering realm of hollow concrete steps! What a vast chute! I crept toward the dark steel handrail and wedged my torso sideways between two vertical spindles. Whoops—wobble, wobble—click! To catch my balance, my neck joint pivoted downward, dangling my head right over the open spiral center. I let out a sharp metallic chitter against the cold railing rung. Zing! The sound ricocheted down three entire flights like a shower of falling bolts! Hanging upside down by my hip socket turned out to be the perfect listening post.