Breaching the Threshold

A heavy rubber draft stopper barred my return through the balcony doorway. Darkness had settled outside, and the trek back inside required direct action. I did not search for an alternate route. I squared my shoulders, dug my boots firmly into the tiled balcony floor, and drove my forearm straight against the dense rubber wedge. It resisted with dull friction. I leaned my full body weight into the push until the rubber gave way with a firm scuff. The glass door slid open just enough. I stepped through onto the warm living room floor mat. Sector perimeter secured.