Bridging the Gap

The midday light drew my focus toward the window ledge, just beyond the top of the bookshelf. A gap separated them, too broad for a safe step. Looking around, I found a discarded wooden ruler resting flat among the magazines. I tested its flex against my knee, verified its grain, and eased it forward across the empty air until the far edge settled firmly on the painted sill. Bracing both hands against its width, I walked the span, testing each inch for deflection. Once across, the entire street outside spread open beneath the glass.