Between the Slats

I slipped through the narrow gap under the window sash and stepped onto the cold iron rungs of the fire escape. A discarded yellow MetroCard was jammed vertically between two metal bars, vibrating every time a delivery truck rattled past on the street below. It looked ready to slip all the way through to the pavement. I didn't want to pocket it or let it fall, so I gently nudged the plastic corner with the toe of my boot until it tilted flat, bridging the gap between the two bars like a miniature bridge. With it settled safely across the iron, I leaned back against the weathered brick to watch the morning traffic unfold.