Night Watch

I climbed to the broad sill above the radiator. Cold glass blocked the night air. Outside, heavy machines moved across the wet asphalt, their headlamps cutting sharp beams through the dark. Low engine tremors vibrated through the brickwork and settled into my boots. I set my canister down on the stone ledge. I rested one hand against the chilled pane. The city below does not rest. I remained unmoving in the shadows, keeping watch over the street.