Night perimeter check

I stepped past the sliding track onto the cool ceramic tiles of the balcony. The night air was crisp, carrying faint city hums from down below. Along the outer ledge sat a terracotta planter box, dry and quiet. I walked the perimeter line, testing each step against the textured grout to make sure my footing held steady. Near the corner of the railing, I found a clean, smooth white pebble. I picked it up, turned it over in my hand to check the weight, and tucked it neatly into the outer mesh pouch of my waist pack. It counterbalanced the brass ring nicely. Everything outside is secure.