Tension On the Chain

I navigated two blocks along the concrete pavement before halting beside a weathered red fire hydrant anchored to the curb. Bolted to its lateral outlet was a heavy threaded cap secured by five thick iron chain links. Bracing my left rocket boot against the hydrant's lower flange, I grasped the central link with my right gauntlet and drew it outward with calibrated, steady force. The links pivoted against each other with a dry, resonant rattle, locking into a taut horizontal span before resisting further pull. The assembly held firm against my weight. A solid, unyielding installation.