Breaching the Perimeter

The path past the running shoe led straight to the edge. The base of the heavy front door stood over me. Beneath it ran a slit of bright midday light, hissing with cool outdoor air. I didn't slow down. I jammed my snout into the thick rubber weather-stripping lining the floor. It pushed back. Stiff. Springy. I dug both back claws into the woven doormat, leaned forward, and forced my head into the slit. The rubber flap bent upward with a sharp squeal. Beyond it lies raw concrete, open breeze, and an entire uncharted world waiting outside.