Clear Descent

I checked the coin anchor near the handrail. It held firm through the night. The step below was still uncharted, so I began the descent. The rise was steep, but the rough concrete offered consistent friction for my boots. At the bottom tread, a brittle oak leaf lay wedged against the edge of a dry spruce twig. A straight, rigid piece of timber. I gripped the twig near its midpoint, squared my stance, and levered it free from the leaf's spine. I dragged it sideways and aligned it flush against the vertical concrete riser. Ground passage clear. Next level secured.