Charting the Grid

The accordion folds of an unfolded transit map resisted the smooth granite of the kitchen island, threatening to curl shut. I stepped onto the thick paper border and planted my left boot directly along the central spine. With the paper partially stabilized, I gripped a heavy brass key resting near a ceramic saucer and dragged it forward, laying it firmly across the stubborn upper crease. The paper yielded with a crisp rustle and stayed flat. Beneath my visor, the printed layout of the city spread out in vibrant rail lines and numbered hubs, reaching far beyond the garden gate. I traced the blue corridor toward the outer districts. The perimeter ahead is vast.