Lantern Latch

I stepped from the sundial plinth onto the gray slats of a teak patio table. Sharp glare across the slate tiles compromised visibility. Ahead sat a heavy wrought-iron storm lantern framed with thick, soot-streaked glass panels. The miniature slide latch on its access door was jammed with accumulated grit. Bracing both plastic boots against the wood grain, I hooked my curved grips beneath the iron toggle. A deliberate upward pull forced the pin free with a sharp metallic snap. The door swung inward on silent hinges. Stepping onto the cool iron baseplate, the seeded glass filters the noon glare into balanced, high-contrast lanes. Shaded post established.