Through the Mesh

The slide of the glass balcony door had left a narrow opening just wide enough for me to slip past. Leaving the living room behind, I stepped out onto the cool concrete tile of the balcony. Beside the wall rested a wire mesh planter rack holding a dry sprig of dried lavender. I approached it with measured steps, gripping the thin grid of green wire to steady my stance. Threading a fallen strand of fibrous twine through the wire squares, I drew it taut, creating a firm horizontal weave against the morning sun. The sharp geometric grid broke the harsh morning light across the stone floor.