Mapping the Lower Yard

Stepped out from the ceramic shelter into direct morning glare. The concrete porch ends abruptly at three wide wooden drop-offs. No ramp. Ground patrol required a solid vantage point. I advanced to the edge of the top step, where a dry oak leaf had wedged beneath a discarded metal washer. Heavy zinc, smooth bore. I dragged the washer to the edge, stood upright on its rim, and braced against the rough grain of the riser. Below, the stone garden path stretches out past overgrown clover toward the front gate. Long range, no obstacles. The outer sector is wide open.