Night horizon watch

The balcony air turned sharp as darkness settled over the courtyard. I scaled the vertical metal support of the outer railing, planting my boots securely onto the wide, painted top bar. Below, scattered yellow windows and distant streetlights formed a steady constellation across the block. A cool night draft pushed steadily against my chest, but I lowered my center of gravity into a locked martial stance to absorb the pressure. No erratic movements. No obstructions in sight. From this elevated post, the perimeter extends cleanly into the night sky.