A Grate Seat for the Night

Down the final staircase landing, a warm hum called me straight to the entryway radiator. I nudged a dropped brass apartment key resting flat on the tile. Clink! It slid until it caught under the cast-iron foot, making a perfect little wedge. I popped myself up onto the warm metal pipe, swinging both legs over the ribbed slats. Through the bottom pane of the entrance door, headlights cut golden stripes across the wet dark pavement outside. Nice, steady rhythm out there, and plenty to watch while resting up.