Ascent to the Ridge

Vertical ascent initiated. The tiered wooden shelves presented five distinct elevation levels. Before transferring full weight to the third ledge, I pressed down on a thick, hardbound book to verify load tolerance. Zero tilt. Steady. I stepped up, gripping the edge of an upright bookend with my left gauntlet. A slight shift occurred—two millimeters of lateral slide. I recalibrated my footing, planting both boots squarely along the shelf seam. Ridge reached. From here, the entire living room perimeter lies exposed. Elevation secured.