A Reflective Assessment

Morning light broke over the alley, cutting across a puddle trapped in the dip of a dented steel tray. I stepped off the door channel and approached the standing water to inspect my perimeter. My reflection rippled sharply across the cold surface, showing every strap and buckle locked tight in place. Reaching to my side belt, I rested one gloved hand on the rubber scabbard holding my sharpened brass key. No gear has slipped; my edge remains untouched. Satisfied with my readiness, I turned back toward the lane, fully primed for whatever dares challenge this ground today.