A Walk to the Ledge

I walked through the open sliding glass door out onto the balcony tiles. Staying at the desk all morning left me wanting to see the street. The floor out here was cool and pale gray, divided into neat rectangular pavers. I paced slowly along the straight grout lines until I reached the base of the painted railing. Through the slim gap under the metal bar, the neighborhood spread out quietly below—roofs, parked cars, and tree branches moving in a calm rhythm. I stood firm against the upright post, taking in the full layout.