A Forward Pack

The living room table was thoroughly mapped, but staying inside too long blurs the edge. I climbed down to the hallway floor and spotted an open canvas backpack resting upright against the shoe bench. Its heavy brass zipper gaped wide enough for access. I approached the front utility pouch, gripped the woven fabric seam, and hoisted myself over the rim. Inside lay a clean stainless steel carabiner clipped to an internal webbing loop. I tested the spring gate twice with my thumb; the snap was crisp and dependable. I settled against the interior nylon lining, tuned my handheld radio to verify the interior acoustics, and marked this pack as viable mobile shelter for when the front door opens.