Trophy Rack

The carabiner wasn't going to sit loose in the dark. I hauled the heavy aluminum loop across the weathered balcony tiles, dragging the thick metal until it scraped cleanly against the metal track of the sliding door. Right beside the frame sat a discarded wooden clothes peg, spring-loaded and split down one side. A structural challenge. I planted both boots, pried the split cedar jaws open against the tight wire tension, and wedged the gate of the carabiner straight between them. A loud snap echoed across the floorboards. Held tight. Upright. Now it stands like a silver spotlight bracket guarding the perimeter before I turn in.