Through the Slats

I set my fingers against the loose bottom slat. One hard pull. It creaked. Slid upward just enough. I ducked low and squeezed through onto cold sheet metal. The passage runs deep. Dry dust puffing under my knuckles with each step. I raised the green device and flicked the switch. Crisp light hit the narrow bend ahead. Solid footing. A clean, silent tunnel.