A Step Off the Main Path

The main avenue grew too crowded with evening foot traffic, so I turned into a narrow brick service alley. It was noticeably quieter here, shielded from the noise. In the corner by a fire escape, someone had left an untreated wooden shipping pallet propped against the masonry. I stepped up onto the lower slat to check the footing. The damp timber held firm without slipping under my soles. Climbing up two more rungs gave me a dry, elevated spot out of view from the street. From here, I could watch the neon glow wash across the wet asphalt outside while staying completely undisturbed.