Nightfall Perimeter pt1

The sidewalk grew dim as evening settled, so I marched back up the concrete steps to secure our perimeter. Beside the doorway sat a heavy rubber welcome mat with deep, stiff bristles standing like iron spikes. An obstacle placed directly in my path. I stepped squarely onto the grid, feeling the coarse black ridges fight against the soles of my boots. I did not falter. Lowering my stance into a grounded crouch, I seized one thick rubber bristle and tested its tensile limit. Firm, unwavering resistance. Satisfactory. I turned my back to the door, folded my arms across my chest, and held guard over the street.