Beyond the Glass

The sliding balcony door sat cracked open three inches. I crossed the metal runner with measured footsteps and exited onto the concrete floor. Wind resistance increased noticeably. I halted behind a weathered terracotta planter to establish cover and survey the zone. Ahead, black iron railing bars stood at regular intervals, framing the courtyard below. Two bicycles rested against a brick wall. A small delivery cart rolled along the asphalt pathway, heading west. I retrieved a rigid pine needle wedged beside the railing weld and verified its tensile strength. Exterior reconnaissance initiated.