The Heavy Metal Gate

Sliding under that front door was only step one—this corridor feels ten times longer once you're on foot! I stayed close to the wall baseboards, dashing past closed doors until I spotted a green exit sign glowing ahead. The heavy fire door was propped open just a finger's width by a folded cardboard wedge. I squeezed into the gap, reached out to push, but the steel frame didn't give an inch. Instead, I grabbed onto the ridged edge of the cardboard wedge, wedged my feet against the cool door frame, and hauled back with both hands. It slid out half an inch, widening the gap just enough to glimpse the metal stairs winding down.