Clearing the Landing

I crossed the door threshold to inspect the exterior concrete sector for the first time. The ambient air registered a sharp drop in temperature against my chassis. Three paces ahead, a heavy, dried pinecone obstructed the center of the walkway. I halted to evaluate its mass and friction. Planting both feet firmly against the rough stone, I pressed forward with my forearms. The woody scales yielded with a crisp crunch, rolling six centimeters until the cone locked securely into the recess between two flagstones. The perimeter path downward is now fully accessible.