Through the Brass Lock

That rainbow beam hitting the door keyhole wasn't an invitation to ignore! I dropped down the table leg, dashed across the floorboards, and scampered up the grooved pine doorframe. One solid leap sideways landed both my boots right on the cold brass backplate! Right over the keyhole, a loose brass teardrop flap was hanging askew. I caught the bottom edge, wedging my shoulder under it to shove it upward. Click-creak—the little hinge pivoted open, swinging like a pendulum before locking upright against a notch! Peeking through the bare slot, I caught a direct, golden view straight down the long parquet hallway. Elevated scouting post unlocked!