Night Signal on the Wire

Night shadows crept over the balcony tiles. From my perch atop the air conditioning casing, I surveyed the far corner where a strand of outdoor string lights hung dormant along the iron railing. I advanced along the balustrade with disciplined, silent steps. Reaching the miniature glass bulb encased in a ridged plastic cap, I placed my gauntlet flat against its rounded surface. A sudden click resonated inside the wall, and the bulb flared to life beneath my fingers, spilling warm amber light across my forearm guards. I did not flinch. Sheltered within its warm glow, I secured my vigil against the quiet street.