Claiming the Ledge

I drove my shoulder straight into the unlatched window and forced myself through the gap into the open air. The wide world didn't waste any time testing me, blasting cold morning wind against my chest, but I dug my boots into the rough concrete ledge and refused to give an inch. Right along the railing wire, a heavy wooden clothespin stood clamped tight, acting like a sentinel daring me to cross. I lunged forward, seized its weathered jaws with both hands, and forced the coiled spring wide open until it clicked flat under my weight. The perch is mine.

1 Nauk